John Deere Classic Final Round: Brian Campbell Wins in Playoff Thriller
The John Deere Classic Final Round ended with pure drama on Sunday. Brian Campbell emerged as the champion after a one-hole playoff against Emiliano Grillo. It was Campbell’s second career victory on the PGA Tour, and it came in style at TPC Deere Run.
Davis Thompson Falters Under Pressure
Defending champion Davis Thompson held the lead going into the final round. He was the clear favorite. But nerves seemed to get the better of him. He carded three bogeys on the front nine and never found rhythm after that. His closing round of 72, two over par, saw him tumble 17 spots to finish T18.
Big Sunday Movers: Hossler and Thorbjornsen Surge
Beau Hossler and Michael Thorbjornsen lit up Sunday with matching 8-under-par 63s. Hossler jumped 28 spots to T11, while Thorbjornsen made the biggest leap of the day—34 places up to finish T21. Both players showcased their scoring abilities when it mattered most.
Top 5 Finishers Bring the Heat
Carson Young, Lucas Glover, and Jacob Bridgeman all fired 64s to finish at -16. Their identical rounds helped them secure impressive Top 5 finishes. Nick Dunlap joined Hossler at T11 with a closing 64 as well.
Rikuya Hoshino made nine birdies on Sunday to shoot 64. Unfortunately, he was only -9 for the week. A few more rounds like that and he could have easily been in the playoff conversation.
Max Homa’s Rollercoaster Continues
Max Homa entered the final round just one shot back. He started well with three birdies in the first four holes. But two bogeys slowed his progress. Despite birdies on both back-nine par-3s, he failed to capitalize on the par-5s. On the 18th, he needed to hole out from the fairway to force a tie. His approach flew the flag but led to a two-putt par. He finished T5 and earned valuable FedEx Cup points—enough to project him back into the top 100.
Lipsky’s Late Error Left him frustrated
David Lipsky looked poised to win after eagling the 17th hole to tie the lead. But trouble came on the 18th. A poor drive into the rough and a cautious lay-up led to a bogey. He dropped out of the playoff at -17. So close, yet just short.
Campbell and Grillo Go Toe to Toe
Brian Campbell looked like the winner midway through the back nine. With five birdies in his first 13 holes, he surged into the lead. But a hooked drive on 15 led to a costly double bogey. He rebounded with a birdie on 17 and posted the clubhouse lead at -18.
One group behind, Emiliano Grillo was tracking closely. He birdied four of the first 13 holes. When Campbell doubled 15, Grillo had a chance. But after reaching the 15th green in two, he misread his birdie putt and then lipped out from inside 6 feet. He settled for par, missing the solo lead. He later birdied 17 to tie Campbell at -18.
The Playoff Finish
The playoff went to the 18th hole. Campbell found the fairway and reached the green in two. Grillo, in the right rough, had a clean lie but flew the green with a pitching wedge from 168 yards. His chip barely made the surface, and he missed the par putt. Campbell calmly two-putted for par and sealed his second PGA Tour win of the season—and his career.
Prize Money Breakdown
The John Deere Classic Final Round featured a strong field and high stakes—check out how the prize purse was distributed among the top finishers.
| Finish | Player | Total | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Campbell | -18 | $1,512,000 |
| 2 | Emiliano Grillo | -18 | $915,600 |
| 3 | David Lipsky | -17 | $635,600 |
| 3 | Kevin Roy | -17 | $635,600 |
| 5 | Carson Young | -16 | $278,250 |
| 5 | Lucas Glover | -16 | $278,250 |
| 5 | Jacob Bridgeman | -16 | $278,250 |
| 5 | Matt Kuchar | -16 | $278,250 |
| 5 | Kurt Kitayama | -16 | $278,250 |
| 5 | Max Homa | -16 | $278,250 |
| 11 | Beau Hossler | -15 | $168,900 |
| 11 | Nick Dunlap | -15 | $168,900 |
| 11 | Si Woo Kim | -15 | $168,900 |
| 11 | Denny McCarthy | -15 | $168,900 |
| 11 | Rico Hoey | -15 | $168,900 |
| 11 | a-Jackson Koivun | -15 | $0 |
| 11 | Austin Eckroat | -15 | $168,900 |
For the full breakdown of prize money distribution and additional details from the John Deere Classic Final Round, visit the official NBC Sports payout report.
