Chris Gotterup completes stunning comeback to win John Deere Classic

Chris Gotterup completed a remarkable comeback to win the John Deere Classic, overturning a five-shot overnight deficit with a sensational final-round 62 to claim his fifth PGA Tour title at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.

The 26-year-old finished at 20-under par, one shot clear of Max Homa, whose closing 64 secured solo second but proved just short of forcing a playoff.

Gotterup looked destined for a playoff or even lose by one until Ben Kohles suffered a dramatic collapse at the final hole.

Kohles stood tied for the lead on the par-4 18th and split the fairway with his tee shot, only to send his approach into the water left of the green. 

Needing to hole a lengthy putt to save par and extend the tournament, he missed from 35 feet before also failing to convert a short bogey putt, carding a double-bogey six to tumble into a tie for third at 18-under alongside Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges.

The victory is Gotterup's second of the season and moves him up to sixth in the FedEx Cup standings. 

His closing 62 was the lowest round of the week.

Waiting on the practice range in case a playoff was required, Gotterup learned he had secured the title before dropping to his knees in celebration and embracing his brother Patrick, who was caddying for him this week.

"It was a special week even if we didn't play great," an emotional Gotterup said.

"He caddied for me on the Korn Ferry Tour and got me to this point. It was a lot of fun. You can't draw up a better day than shooting 62 today."

Gotterup, who also won the WM Phoenix Open in February, added: "It felt great. I'd have paid a lot of money for that finish. I've spent a few weeks grinding and figuring things out, but it was great to get in the mix and feel the juice again.

"I got a spot in this field four years ago and it helped change my status. They've been super nice to me here, so to come back and win is just so cool."

Gotterup now heads to the United Kingdom to defend his Genesis Scottish Open title at The Renaissance Club after last year's memorable victory over Rory McIlroy and Marco Penge. 

He will then set his sights on claiming a maiden major title at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

"I'm excited to get over there, but first I'll spend some time with family and friends before flying overseas tomorrow," Gotterup said.

The victory is expected to lift Gotterup back inside the world's top 10 when the Official World Golf Ranking is updated on Monday, while his win earns him a winner's cheque of $1,584,000.

The agonising finish for Kohles marks his second crushing loss on the circuit, having also thrown things away two years ago at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson when going in pursuit of his first PGA Tour title.