GOLF: Chris Gotterup rallies with 62 to win John Deere, third title of '26

Chris Gotterup surged from 12th place with a bogey-free, 9-under-par 62 on Sunday to win the John Deere Classic after Ben Kohles suffered a costly double bogey on the final hole.

Gotterup finished at 20-under-par 264 to secure his fifth PGA Tour title and third victory of the season. He completed his round more than an hour before the final group and watched as Kohles' hopes unraveled at the par-4 18th.

Kohles, who began the final hole tied for the lead, hit his approach shot into the greenside pond. After taking a penalty stroke, he made a double bogey, dropping into a tie for third at 18 under after shooting a final-round 68.

"Obviously, not having to go into a playoff is nice, but I was ready if it came to that," Gotterup said after claiming the title.

Max Homa fired a 64 to finish alone in second place at 19 under, one stroke behind the champion.

"I had a good chance to catch him," Homa said. "He just played better. I had my chances. I just needed to be a little sharper."

Gotterup's victory continued a remarkable season that already included wins at the Sony Open in Hawaii and the WM Phoenix Open. The 26-year-old said the latest triumph provided a timely boost after a quieter stretch in the middle of the campaign.

"This whole year has been really good if you look at it in the big picture," Gotterup said. "Hopefully, this kickstarts some other great stuff."

The American had fond memories of TPC Deere Run even before this week's victory. Playing on a sponsor's exemption in 2022, he tied for fourth in what was then his best PGA Tour finish.

Kohles, meanwhile, was left to reflect on another near miss as he continues his search for a first PGA Tour title. He started the final round strongly, recording an eagle on the second hole and reaching 5 under through his first eight holes before his hopes ended with the costly mistake at the 18th.

"I played awesome all week," Kohles said. "Obviously, it hurts to have that happen on the last hole."

He later explained that he misjudged his club selection on the decisive approach shot, opting for an 8-iron instead of a 9-iron before pulling the shot into the water.

Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges, who shared the third-round lead, also finished tied for third at 18 under after each carded a 69. Glover opened with birdies on the second and third holes but managed only one more over his final 15 holes.

Mac Meissner (64), Jackson Suber (69) and Doug Ghim (68) shared sixth place at 17 under.

Gotterup was joined throughout the week by his brother, Patrick Gotterup, who served as his caddie. The victory also gives him momentum heading into next week's Scottish Open, where he will defend his title. -Field Level Media/Reuters