SILVIS, Ill. — Brian Campbell won for the second time this year on the PGA Tour, both in a playoff, when he closed with a 4-under 67 and beat Emiliano Grillo with a par on the first extra hole Sunday in the John Deere Classic.
It extended the win-or-bust season for Campbell, who won the Mexico Open in a playoff in late February. He has finished out of the top 30 every tournament except for his two victories.
This one might be enough to get him into the Open Championship, depending on how high he moves up in the world ranking published Monday, traditionally used as the alternate list.
Campbell appeared to have control of the tournament with three birdies in a four-hole stretch to start the back nine. But he fell back with a double bogey into the trees on the 15th, and it was a wild scramble to the finish.
Grillo, who also closed with a 67, took the lead when Campbell made double bogey, only to three-putt for bogey on the 16th.
Campbell, one of the shorter hitters on tour, blasted a 3-wood to 18 feet for a two-putt birdie on the par-5 17th and narrowly missed a 25-foot birdie on the 18th. He was the first player to post at 18-under 266.
Grillo got up-and-down for birdie on the 17th, holing an 8-foot putt, and caught a bad break on the 18th when his drive settled into a divot. He hit wedge to just inside 40 feet and two-putted for par to join Campbell at 266.
David Lipsky was poised to join them when he hit a punch 3-wood to 8 feet for eagle on the 17th to tie for the lead. But he hooked his drive on the 18th, couldn’t reach the green, and his 15-foot par putt to get into the playoff caught the left lip and spun away. He shot 68 and tied for third with Kevin Roy (65).
The playoff lacked any real drama. Campbell hit a beautiful trap draw to about 15 feet on the 18th. Grillo, who caught a break when his drive to the right was sitting up in trampled rough, sent long over the green. His flop shot didn’t quite reach the putting surface, and his par attempt from some 25 feet never had a chance.
“I got myself there. I gave myself a chance,” Grillo said. “I made some good putts. Hit a good putt on the 72nd and that’s all I can do.”
Campbell became the fifth player this year to have multiple victories in individual tournaments on the PGA Tour, joining Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Sepp Straka and Ryan Fox.
He finished about a half-hour ahead of the final group, but Campbell chose to stay in the clubhouse to see if his score would hold up instead of staying loose on the practice range. He said it was hot enough that it was better to cool off and get some rest, and there was no arguing with the result — he drilled his drive down the middle and put all the pressure on Grillo with his approach to the green.
Max Homa, winless in more than two years, ran off three straight birdies early in the round to briefly take the lead. He played the last 14 holes in 1 over, missing key putts to stay in the game, and wound up with a 69 to tie for fifth. It was his first top 10 on the PGA Tour in nearly 15 months.
Five others tied for fifth, including 47-year-old Matt Kuchar, who closed with a 66, and Lucas Glover, who shot a 64.
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Brian Campbell is the champion of the John Deere Classic. He won the tournament in a thrilling playoff, showing incredible skill and composure. The fans at TPC Deerrun witnessed a dramatic finish as Campbell outlasted a talented field. This victory marks a major milestone in his career, his second win of the season. Campbell’s perfect playoff record now stands at two for two, proving he thrives under pressure. Winning twice in a single season puts him among the elite on tour. The 18th green erupted in celebration as Campbell embraced his Caddy and family. All the hard work and dedication paid off in a moment he’ll never forget. Winning a PGA Tour event is a dream for many. Doing it twice in one year is extraordinary. Campbell’s steady hand and mental toughness set him apart. He’s shown he can compete and win against the best week after week. The fans cheered loudly, appreciating the champion’s remarkable performance. This win solidifies Campbell’s place as one of the top performers of the year. It’s a testament to his perseverance and ability to deliver when it matters most. Campbell’s journey to this moment has been defined by resilience and belief. On a beautiful day in Sylvvis, Illinois, a new champion was crowned. The tournament came down to a sudden death playoff between Brian Campbell and Ameliano Gillo. Both finished at 19 underpar, setting the stage for a highstakes showdown. The playoff unfolded on the par41 18th with the crowd buzzing in anticipation. Campbell hit a flawless T-OT, landing in the heart of the fairway. Gillow’s drive found the thick rough, immediately putting him at a disadvantage. From the fairway, Campbell delivered a precise approach, leaving a makeable birdie putt. Grill’s recovery left him with a long par attempt. Campbell calmly lined up his birdie putt and rolled it in, igniting a roar from the gallery. He raised his arms in triumph, having seized the moment with a perfect shot. Gillo ever the sportsman congratulated the new champion. The playoff was a showcase of nerves and execution under pressure. Campbell’s composure and clutch performance made the difference. One hole, one opportunity. Campbell delivered. The crowd witnessed a decisive, unforgettable finish. Playoffs demand perfection, and Campbell was flawless. He didn’t just win, he owned the moment. The John Deere Classic ended with a champion who thrived when it mattered most. Campbell’s playoff victory will be remembered for its drama and precision. Brian Campbell’s final round was a roller coaster of highs and lows. Starting the day behind, he attacked early, making four birdies on the front nine. His aggressive play vaulted him up the leaderboard. The back nine brought more drama, another birdie, then disaster on 14 with a double bogey. For a moment, it looked like his chances were gone, but Campbell bounced back immediately, birdieing the 17th to regain momentum. That resilience set him apart from the field. On 18, needing a birdie to tie the lead, he delivered under pressure. His clutch putt capped a brilliant round of 66. Campbell’s ability to recover from setbacks defined his day. He finished strong, securing his spot in the playoff. The round was a testament to his mental toughness. Champions aren’t defined by perfection, but by how they respond to adversity. Campbell’s final round showed he has the heart of a champion. He overcame mistakes and finished with strength. His resilience was the key to reaching the playoff. It was a round that will be remembered for its grit and determination. Ameliano Gillo played superb golf all week, staying in contention from start to finish. His ball striking and putting were topnotch, giving him a real shot at victory. On the final hole of regulation, Guillo had a birdie putt to win outright. The crowd held its breath, but the putt slid by the edge. Forced into a playoff, Gillow’s T-shot on 18 found the rough, sealing his fate. That single swing changed everything, putting him on the defensive. Despite the disappointment, Guillo handled defeat with grace, congratulating Campbell. It was a tough loss after 72 holes of excellent play. Guillo proved he can compete for titles and will surely be back in contention soon. Sometimes golf comes down to a single shot. Guillo’s week was filled with positives. Even if the ending stung, he showed poise and sportsmanship in a difficult moment. The experience will only make him stronger. Guillo’s performance was a reminder of how fine the margins are at the top level. He’ll use this as motivation for future tournaments. The agony of a near miss will fuel his drive to win again. David Lipky made a thrilling Sunday run, shooting a bogey-free 65. His six birdies put pressure on the leaders as he quietly climbed the leaderboard. Lipsky finished as co-leader in the clubhouse at 18 under, then waited to see if it would hold. Ultimately, he finished just one shot shy of the playoff. It was a bittersweet end to a fantastic week. Lipsky’s performance was nearly flawless, but not quite enough for victory. A top three finish is a significant accomplishment, bringing confidence and momentum. He proved he can compete with the best on tour. This result could be a springboard for the rest of his season. Sometimes the best golf isn’t quite enough. Lipsky’s strong play was a clear signal of his capabilities. He’ll look to build on this and contend for a win soon. After finishing his round, Campbell became the clubhouse leader, but his fate was out of his hands. He watched nervously as Guillo and others finished their rounds. The weight was agonizing. Every missed birdie by his rivals bringing him closer to a playoff. Campbell tried to stay calm, surrounded by his team for support. The mental game off the course was as intense as the one on it. Lipsky came up short and all eyes turned to Guillo’s final putt. When Gillow missed, Campbell’s chance at victory was alive. The wait was over, but a new challenge, the playoff, awaited. Campbell used the downtime to reset and refocus. He hit a few balls on the range, preparing for the final showdown. The stressful weight may have helped him gather his thoughts. It was a test of nerves, patience, and mental strength. Campbell’s ability to handle the pressure set him up for success. The transition from waiting to competing was seamless. He was ready for the moment when it arrived. The mental battle was won before the playoff even began. Brian Campbell’s 2025 season has been a mix of highs and lows. He’s now a two-time winner, but has struggled with consistency outside those victories. When his game is on, he can beat anyone. When it’s off, he’s missed cuts. This all or nothing pattern makes his wins even more impressive. Campbell has shown he can close out tournaments when in contention. The challenge ahead is to find steadier form week to week. Two wins give him belief and momentum for the future. If he can smooth out the valleys, he could become a top player on tour. The John Deere Classic win might be a turning point. Campbell’s next goal consistency at the highest level. Key shots shaped the John Deere Classic’s outcome. Campbell’s birdie putt on 18 in regulation was crucial, earning him a playoff spot. His bounceback birdie on 17 after a double bogey showed resilience in the playoff. His perfect T-shot on 18 set the tone. Gillow’s drive into the rough gave Campbell the edge. Campbell’s approach left a makeable birdie putt. He didn’t miss. The winning putt in the playoff was the exclamation point. Each shot under pressure revealed Campbell’s mental strength. The difference between victory and defeat was a handful of swings. Campbell executed when it mattered most. His ability to recover from mistakes defined his week. The playoff was decided by precision and nerve. Campbell’s clutch shots will be remembered as tournament defining moments. The champion was made by his response to adversity. These shots turned a great week into a winning one. The John Deere Classic win is a career changer for Brian Campbell. Two victories in a season elevate him to proven champion status. He now enjoys job security and the freedom to set his schedule. The win brings invitations to the Century, the Masters, and the PGA Championship. Competing in majors is every golfer’s dream, and Campbell has earned his place. Financially and professionally, this win is a huge boost. More importantly, it validates years of hard work and belief. Campbell’s journey from junior golf to PGA Tour winner is complete. With confidence and momentum, he’s now a player to watch. The next step, contend in majors and bigger events. This victory is a launching pad, not an end point.
