Gotterup Captures Fifth PGA TOUR Victory; Wins John Deere Classic

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SILVIS, Ill. - Chris Gotterup completed a final-round comeback on Sunday to win the 2026 John Deere Classic, closing with a 9-under 62 to finish atop the leaderboard at TPC Deere Run. Beginning the day five shots behind, the New Jersey native surged into contention with five birdies over his first seven holes before securing his latest PGA TOUR victory. His younger brother, Patrick, served as his caddie for the week. 

For the Little Silver native, the victory carried added significance beyond the trophy. Regular caddie Brady Stockton was away after welcoming a child, opening the door for Patrick to step in. What was initially planned as a fun week together turned into a celebration neither brother will forget. "It's such a cool moment," Gotterup said afterward. "We were just planning on having a fun week and obviously try to come win, but to have it actually happen is cool and just a special moment that we'll never forget." 

The 2019 New Jersey Golf Open champion never imagined he'd be lifting the trophy when the day began. "I definitely didn't tee off on 1 and be like, 'I'm going to win this tournament today,'" Gotterup admitted after starting five shots back. Instead, he focused on climbing the leaderboard one hole at a time, racing to 5-under through his opening seven holes before putting himself squarely in contention.  

"If I could get off to a good start, I could at least throw my name in the mix," he said. "Once I got going, I felt like I had a good chance." 

Patrick previously caddied for Gotterup during his early professional career, including on the Korn Ferry Tour, making this week's reunion a familiar pairing. "They're very similar in how they both caddie and fun to be around and keep me cool," Gotterup said when comparing Patrick to Stockton. 

Since joining the PGA Tour, Gotterup has captured five victories: the 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic, the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, the 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii, and the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. He'll return to Scotland next week looking to successfully defend his Genesis Scottish Open title. 

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