SILVIS, Ill. — Chris Gotterup delivered a career-highlight performance on Sunday at TPC Deere Run, closing with a bogey-free, 9-under 62 to erase a five-shot deficit and claim his third PGA Tour victory of the 2026 season at the John Deere Classic.

The 26-year-old Rutgers alum finished on 20-under 264, one shot clear of Max Homa. Ben Kohles (68), Lucas Glover (69), and Lee Hodges (69) tied for third at 18 under. Gotterup’s round featured nine birdies and marked one of the most impressive closing charges of the year on a course known for low scoring.

Gotterup started the final round five shots behind the co-leaders but came out scoring. He birdied the first hole and added four more over the next six. He turned on 5-under 30 and kept the momentum going home with scores on 10, 13, and 14. Following a clutch par save on 15), Gotterup added a ninth birdie on 17 to reach 20 under before heading to the range.

The victory carried extra emotion: Gotterup’s younger brother Patrick caddied in place of regular looper Brady Stockton, whose wife had recently given birth. The brothers celebrated together after Gotterup learned of Kohles’ collapse while warming up.

For a tournament that gave Gotterup a sponsor’s exemption in 2022 (T4), Sunday marked a full-circle moment and another chapter in his rapid rise.

“I really like this tournament. They’ve been super nice to me,” said Gotterup afterward. “And to have Patrick out here with me, it’s just so awesome.”

Kohles, seeking his first PGA Tour win in his 120th start, had been in control much of the day and briefly tied Gotterup at 20 under. But on the 72nd hole, he pulled his approach left into the water, leading to a double bogey that dropped him into the three-way tie for third at 18 under. Homa posted a strong 7-under 64, good for solo second — his best finish in more than three years.

Gotterup’s final-round 62 was the low score of the week and his second-lowest 18-hole round in his PGA Tour career. He led the field in strokes gained off the tee and gained nearly 3.5 strokes on the greens with his putter.

The win boosts Gotterup into the top 10 while adding 500 FedEx Cup points. It also continues his remarkable recent form: victories at the Sony Open and WM Phoenix Open earlier in 2026, plus a title defense looming at the Genesis Scottish Open this week, where he held off Rory McIlroy a year ago to launch his ascent.

2026 John Deere Classic

Final Top-10

Pos-Player-Score (Final Rd)
1. Chris Gotterup -20 (-9)
2. Max Homa -19 (-7)
3. Ben Kohles -18 (-3)
3. Lee Hodges -18 (-2)
3. Lucas Glover -18 (-2)
6. Mac Meissner -17 (-7)
6. Doug Ghim -17 (-3)
6. Jackson Suber -17 (-2)
9. Ryo Hisatsune -16 (-4)
9. Zach Johnson -16 (-4)
9. Zac Blair -16 (-1)

Credits: ESPN, Getty Images, PGA TOUR