Chris Gotterup was brought to tears on the driving range at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, on Sunday when he got word he had won the 2026 John Deere Classic.
It's not because he is a stranger to winning. In fact, it was his third victory in the last seven months. No, this one spurred extra emotion for the 26-year-old from New Jersey because it was a family affair. His usual caddie, Brady Stockton, is home with a newborn baby, so Gotterup's little brother, Patrick, was called up to the big leagues to carry his kin's bag.
"It's such a cool moment," Gotterup said. "Obviously Brady, who caddies for me normally, had a kid last week, and we kind of planned this out a couple of months ago. [Patrick and I] 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."
Gotterup was virtually flawless Sunday, firing a bogey-free, 9-under 62 in the final round to erase the five-shot deficit he faced to start the day. He posted 20-under 264 in total to win by one shot over Max Homa, who finished solo second, and by two over Ben Kohles, who held the lead for much of the day before a disastrous final hole.
"I really felt like I grinded it out this week," Gotterup said. "Today it kind of all came together, but the first three days I didn't have my best stuff. I talked about it earlier in the week that even my not-so-good stuff has gotten a lot better, which is great. Then obviously to come out today and to shoot 9 under was awesome. Definitely not what I had in the cards, but I'll take those cards dealt to me, for sure."
It's not because he is a stranger to winning. In fact, it was his third victory in the last seven months. No, this one spurred extra emotion for the 26-year-old from New Jersey because it was a family affair. His usual caddie, Brady Stockton, is home with a newborn baby, so Gotterup's little brother, Patrick, was called up to the big leagues to carry his kin's bag.
"It's such a cool moment," Gotterup said. "Obviously Brady, who caddies for me normally, had a kid last week, and we kind of planned this out a couple of months ago. [Patrick and I] 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."
Gotterup was virtually flawless Sunday, firing a bogey-free, 9-under 62 in the final round to erase the five-shot deficit he faced to start the day. He posted 20-under 264 in total to win by one shot over Max Homa, who finished solo second, and by two over Ben Kohles, who held the lead for much of the day before a disastrous final hole.
"I really felt like I grinded it out this week," Gotterup said. "Today it kind of all came together, but the first three days I didn't have my best stuff. I talked about it earlier in the week that even my not-so-good stuff has gotten a lot better, which is great. Then obviously to come out today and to shoot 9 under was awesome. Definitely not what I had in the cards, but I'll take those cards dealt to me, for sure."
4 months ago
