The John Deere Classic has been a wonderful launching pad for young PGA Tour players.
It was Jordan Spieth’s first tour win and on a steamy Sunday at the TPC Deere Run, one of his former Texas teammates joined him on the list of first-time tour winners.
South African Dylan Frittelli sent an early message to overnight leader Andrew Landry and the other contenders when he started his final 18 birdie-birdie-birdie. Frittelli, a member of the University of Texas’ 2012 national championship team along with Spieth, closed with a seven-under par 64 and his 21-under par effort was good for a two-shot win over Russell Henley.
Frittelli was elated to join the charter flight to the Open Championship, courtesy of the John Deere Company.
“It’s still sinking in,” said Frittelli, who made just one bogey all week. “My focus was to get some more FedEx Cup points.” He did a lot more than that. He locked up his two-year exemption along with a spot in the Open Championship lineup this coming week. He’ll play in the 2020 Masters and PGA.
“I’m happy to jump on that flight and head over to The Open,” Frittelli said with a big smile. “I’m sure it’s gonna be a fun flight. I’m super excited.”
Henley established the target score early when he shot his career round, a 10-under par 61 that put him in the clubhouse at 19-under par. He eventually took solo second.
Overnight leader Andrew Landry couldn’t get it going but made a very important birdie putt at the 18th. Landry sank a birdie putt from just inside 17 feet that gave him solo second and moved him inside the top 125 in the FedEx Cup standings.
Tour rookie Collin Morikawa continued his impressive play. He shot 65-66 over the weekend and tied for fourth.
Another rookie, Viktor Hovland, finished with a 64 and tied for 16th at 14-under while is college teammate, Matt Wolff’s 10-under total tied him for 37th.
