Golf fans are still talking about what went down at Silvis. Honestly, TPC Deere Run usually turns into a birdie-fest where someone shoots $25$-under and runs away with it, but the John Deere Classic 2025 leaderboard told a completely different story this time around. It wasn't just a race to the bottom of the scorecard; it was a gritty, high-stakes psychological battle that ended in a dramatic playoff.
Brian Campbell walked away with the trophy. He earned it.
The week in Illinois felt different from the jump. While the "Big Three" or whatever we're calling the top of the World Ranking these days were resting for the Open Championship, the mid-tier of the PGA Tour was fighting for their lives—and for a massive $1.5 million winner's check.
The Final Push at TPC Deere Run
By the time Sunday afternoon rolled around, the leaderboard was a mess. In a good way. You've got guys like Max Homa and Lucas Glover lurking, but the real drama was centered on Brian Campbell and Emiliano Grillo.
Both finished regulation at 18-under-par.
Grillo has been there before. He’s a vet. Campbell, though? He was looking for that second win of the 2025 season to prove his February victory at the Mexico Open wasn't a fluke. When they headed back to the 18th tee for the playoff, the atmosphere was tight.
What Happened in the Playoff?
Playoffs are weird. They aren't always about who hits the best shot; often, it’s about who blinks first. On the first extra hole (the par-4 18th), Grillo blinked. He hit a shaky tee shot that basically took him out of birdie contention immediately. Campbell stayed steady. He played for the par, made it, and that was that.
The win gave Campbell 500 FedExCup points. It’s a massive deal. It basically guarantees him a deep run into the playoffs and a spot in the big-money signature events for 2026.
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Breaking Down the 2025 John Deere Classic Leaderboard
If you look at the final standings, you see how bunched up the field was. One stroke. That was the difference between a playoff and a quiet drive to the airport.
The Top Finishers:
- 1. Brian Campbell: -18 (Won in playoff) - $1,512,000
- 2. Emiliano Grillo: -18 - $915,600
- T3. Kevin Roy: -17 - $495,600
- T3. David Lipsky: -17 - $495,600
- T5. Max Homa: -16 - $278,250
- T5. Matt Kuchar: -16 - $278,250
- T5. Lucas Glover: -16 - $278,250
- T5. Kurt Kitayama: -16 - $278,250
David Lipsky is going to be thinking about that 18th hole for a while. He duck-hooked his tee shot on the 72nd hole, which forced a layup and eventually left him one shot out of the playoff. Brutal. That's golf, though.
The Homa Factor
Max Homa being on the leaderboard always draws a crowd. He opened with a blistering 63, and honestly, everyone thought he was going to steamroll the field. But TPC Deere Run is a place where you have to keep the pedal down. He went 68-68-69 over the next three days. Solid? Yes. Enough to win? No. He finished T5, but it was a good sign for his form heading into the summer.
Money and Rankings: What’s at Stake?
People forget that the John Deere is about more than just the tractor trophy. It's about job security.
The total purse was $8.4 million. For guys like Kevin Roy, who finished T3, that check for nearly $500,000 is life-changing. It secures status. It pays for the caddie, the travel, and the coach for the next two years.
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Brian Campbell has now banked over $3 million this season alone. Before 2025, he was a guy most casual fans hadn't heard of. Now? He's a two-time winner and a serious threat every time he tees it up on a course that rewards ball-striking.
Why the Scores Were Higher in 2025
If you remember Davis Thompson’s win in 2024, he shot 28-under. That’s insane.
In 2025, 18-under won it. Why the difference? The course setup was a bit more "teethy" this year. The rough was thicker, and the greens were slightly firmer than usual for a July week in the Quad Cities. It made guys think twice before pinning every flag.
Noteworthy Performances
- Jackson Koivun (a): The amateur finished T11 at 15-under. Remember that name. He didn't get a paycheck because of his amateur status, but he played like a seasoned pro.
- Rickie Fowler: He made his first appearance here in 15 years. Finished T18. He looked comfortable, but a 72 on Friday really killed his momentum.
- Zach Johnson: The local favorite and tournament board member finished T44. He’s the "Mayor of Silvis," but the younger sticks are just out-driving him these days.
Looking Toward the 2026 Tournament
The tournament has already announced they raised a record $16.9 million for charity in 2025. That’s the real legacy of the John Deere.
For the players, the focus shifts. The 2026 John Deere Classic is scheduled for July 1-5. If Campbell's trajectory continues, he won't be an underdog when he returns to defend his title.
If you're looking to track how these results impact the rest of the season, watch the FedExCup standings closely. Campbell moved into the top 15 with this win. Grillo, despite the playoff loss, moved comfortably inside the top 50, which is the magic number for getting into all the big events next year.
Next Steps for Golf Fans:
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- Check the updated Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) on Monday; Campbell is expected to jump into the top 60.
- Watch the highlights of David Lipsky’s final hole if you want to see just how cruel the 18th at Deere Run can be.
- Keep an eye on the entry list for the Genesis Scottish Open, as many of these guys are flying straight to the UK tonight.
The John Deere Classic continues to be the tournament where "undiscovered" stars find their footing. Brian Campbell just became the latest one.