The 2025 John Deere Classic, held at the scenic TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, delivered a thrilling finish that golf fans will be talking about for some time. The tournament, known for its low scores and dramatic moments, saw Brian Campbell emerge victorious in a tense sudden-death playoff against Emiliano Grillo on Sunday, July 6, 2025. This win marks Campbell's second PGA Tour victory, a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his resilience and skill on the course.
The week began with Doug Ghim setting the pace by taking the first-round lead on Thursday, July 3, 2025. However, as the tournament progressed, the leaderboard became a crowded battlefield. Max Homa, the reigning champion Davis Thompson, Emiliano Grillo, and several others pushed their way into contention, each vying for the coveted top spot and the substantial prize money that comes with it. The John Deere Classic, while not the largest purse on the PGA Tour, still offers a lucrative $8.4 million total purse, with the winner taking home a hefty $1.512 million payout—18 percent of the total purse.
Sunday's final round was nothing short of a nail-biter. Defending champion Davis Thompson held a narrow lead with 17 players within four strokes, underscoring the intense competition at TPC Deere Run. Thompson, aiming to become the first repeat winner since Steve Stricker's remarkable run from 2009 to 2011, remained composed under pressure. In a post-round interview, he reflected on the mental edge that being in contention provides: "It shouldn’t change a whole lot, but I feel like your focus sharpens a little more and you’re able to — I find it easier to commit to every shot when I’m in the lead as opposed to the back of the pack," Thompson said. Despite the confidence gained from last year's victory, he emphasized the importance of staying present: "Last year gave me confidence, but I can’t really focus on last year. I mean, that’s in the past. I just got to focus on the present."
Max Homa, seeking his first PGA Tour win since the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open, was also a key figure in the final round drama. Starting strong with a 2-under through his first three holes, Homa reached 16 under par, taking the solo lead at one point. A win here would not only break his two-year drought but also earn him 1,500 U.S. Ryder Cup points, potentially moving him up 19 spots in the U.S. Ryder Cup rankings and setting him up for a late-season surge as the Ryder Cup approaches.
The tournament also spotlighted rising talent, with Auburn junior Jackson Koivun making an impressive debut. Ranked No. 1 in the world amateur rankings, Koivun was just two strokes behind Homa, proving he is a formidable competitor and a name to watch in the coming years.
As the final round unfolded, the weather added an unpredictable element. Rain began to fall, creating challenging and hectic conditions across the course. Despite the softer greens offering scoring opportunities, the players had to contend with the grueling nature of the wet weather, testing their endurance and strategy.
Brian Campbell's performance stood out as he navigated the course with remarkable composure. After five birdies on his first 13 holes, Campbell overcame a potential setback—a double bogey on the par-4 15th hole—by responding with a birdie on the 17th, bringing him to 18 under par and the clubhouse lead. His back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th holes, including a stunning 36-foot putt, electrified the crowd and set the stage for the playoff.
David Lipsky also made headlines with an eagle on the 17th hole, reaching 18 under par to temporarily tie for the lead. However, his missed 15-foot par putt on the 18th hole prevented him from joining the playoff, leaving the sudden-death showdown between Campbell and Grillo.
Emiliano Grillo, who matched Campbell’s round-by-round scores of 65-66-68-67, was a worthy opponent in the playoff. The tension was palpable as both players vied for the title, with Campbell ultimately sinking the decisive putt to claim victory.
Other notable performances included Kevin Roy, who finished at 17 under par, just one stroke behind Campbell. Jacob Bridgeman, Lucas Glover, and Carson Young each shot an impressive 7-under 64 on Sunday, finishing at 16 under and tied for third place. Nick Dunlap, who had struggled earlier in the season, turned in a consistent performance with four rounds in the 60s, finishing at 15 under par alongside Beau Hossler and Davis Thompson.
The John Deere Classic's purse, while one of the smaller ones on the PGA Tour, has seen steady growth over the years. Since 2019, the total purse has increased by $2.4 million, and the winner's payout has risen by nearly $500,000. This growth reflects the expanding financial health of professional golf, even in tournaments that traditionally attract smaller fields.
With 64 players receiving payouts after Aldrich Potgieter withdrew post-third round, the distribution ensured that the top 21 finishers earned six-figure paydays, a significant boost for many players’ seasons. The tournament's prize structure rewards strong performances and can be career-changing for players outside the usual top-tier contenders.
Looking ahead, the John Deere Classic has secured its future with a contract extension through 2030, continuing its partnership with John Deere as the title sponsor. This stability bodes well for the tournament's ongoing presence on the PGA Tour and its role in providing opportunities for emerging and established players alike.
As the dust settles on the 2025 John Deere Classic, Brian Campbell’s victory stands as a testament to perseverance and clutch performance under pressure. The tournament once again delivered on its promise of excitement, drama, and competitive golf, all set against the backdrop of one of Illinois’ top public-access courses. Fans and players alike will be eagerly anticipating next year’s event, where new stories and rivalries will undoubtedly unfold at TPC Deere Run.
