SILVIS, Ill. — Jordan Spieth made it a lot tougher on himself than it needed to be.
In the end, Spieth got exactly what he was looking for from the John Deere Classic: a win and some positive energy ahead of the British Open.
Spieth beat Tom Gillis on the second hole of a playoff to win at TPC Deere Run on Sunday for his fourth victory of the season.
Gillis and Spieth, who opened the tournament with an even-par 71, finished the final round at 20-under 264. Zach Johnson and Danny Lee tied for third at 19 under.
“To be able to shoot 20-under in three rounds is nice momentum,” Spieth said. “The finish, when I really didn’t feel like tee to green I had much (Sunday), gives me a lot of momentum to draw on if I don’t have my best stuff. ”
The 46-year-old Gillis, who was attempting to become the oldest first-time winner on the PGA Tour in 20 years, sent an approach into the water. Spieth made par for his second win at this tournament in three years.
Now Spieth heads to the British Open in search of his third consecutive major championship.
Spieth is the first golfer to win four times before the Open Championship since Tiger Woods in 2000 — and he silenced many of the critics who questioned why he played this tournament instead of heading overseas early to prepare for St. Andrews.
“I really didn’t care anyways. I came here for a reason, and we accomplished that reason,” Spieth said.
Even though Spieth ultimately outlasted the field, he knows he has some work to do — specifically with his driver, which abandoned him at times this weekend — if he hopes to make it three majors in a row.
“I need to fine tune my driver. I love where my putter is at. My pace control, my speed is awesome right now,” Spieth said.
Thumbnail photo via Jeffrey Becker/USA TODAY Sports Images
