BRIAN CAMPBELL - RESILIENT!

JUL 6, 2025 - Brian Campbell’s win at the 2025 John Deere Classic had a little bit of everything: drama, comebacks, chaos, and clutch moments—all topped off with a playoff finish that showed nerves of steel.

Tied at 18-under with Emiliano Grillo after 72 holes, Campbell clinched his second PGA Tour win of the season with a rock-solid par on the first playoff hole. Grillo missed the green, couldn’t save par, and just like that, Campbell had gone two-for-two in playoffs this year—his earlier win coming in February at the Mexico Open.

It didn’t come easy. After surging on the back nine with birdies on 10, 12, and 13 to grab the solo lead, Campbell’s tee shot into the trees on 15 led to a brutal double bogey. But the guy didn’t flinch. He responded with a clutch birdie on the par-5 17th to grab a share of the lead once again.

Meanwhile, the field was in full-on frenzy mode. At one point, 19 players were within two shots of the lead. David Lipsky eagled 17 to tie, but bogeyed 18. Max Homa and Nick Dunlap had runs too, but couldn’t keep pace.

Campbell, ranked 171st in driving distance, got it done with precision: elite iron play, short game, and a hot putter. He chose rest over range time before the playoff—cooling off in the clubhouse for 40 minutes—then striped his tee shot and hit a dart into the green. Calm. Clutch. Champion.

It’s all the more impressive considering Campbell nearly walked away from the game after years of injuries. Now he’s a two-time winner in 2025, climbing the FedExCup ranks and even drawing whispers of Ryder Cup potential.

From almost quitting to two wins in five months? That’s one heck of a comeback.

5 FUN GOLFER FACTS ABOUT THE 2025 JOHN DEERE CLASSIC

• This is CAMPBELL'S 2nd PGA win in his 41st start at the age of 32 years, 4 months and 0 days

• The playoff record for the final 2 combatants after this weekend - Brian Campbell is 2-0 while Emiliano Grillo sits at 2-2

• This was the first playoff at the John Deere Classic on 10 years with Jordan Spieth defeating Tom Gillis back in 2015

• This was the 9th playoff on TOUR this year and the 2nd consecutive, with last weeks tournament also ending in a dramatic playoff

• Playing on a sponsor exemption, the No. 1-ranked player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, Jackson Koivun, finished a respectable T11/-15, his best finish in the big leagues

4 FUN GOLFER FACTS ABOUT BRIAN CAMPBELL

• Campbell is a US born golfer, but got his early start in Canada at a 9-hole course in Knowlton, Quebec where his family spent a month there every summer when Brian was young due to the fact his father is from Montreal, Canada

• Campbell got his first golf lesson from Dan Anselmo, the son of John Anselmo, who is known for serving as Tiger Woods' coach for seven years

• Campbell attended Mater Dei High School in California, which also produced Heisman winner QB Matt Leinart, Heisman winner Bryce Young and All-Pro Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown

• At one point in his life Campbell was roommates with fellow PGA Tour winner Jake Knapp where they shared a house at the of the driving range at Mesa Verde Country Club