Jordan Spieth fires a fist pump after winning the John Deere Classic on Sunday in Silvis Ill. Spieth defeated Zach Johnson and David Hearn on the fifth hole of a playoff.(Photo Charlie Neibergall AP)
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SILVIS Ill. Jordan Spieth 19 became the youngest player to win a PGA Tour event in 82 years Sunday. And he did it by surviving a grueling five hole sudden death playoff with defending champion Zach Johnson and David Hearn at the John Deere Classic.
Spieth who got into the playoff when he holed a bunker shot on the final hole of regulation that he called the luckiest shot I've ever hit in my life become the youngest winner since 19 year old Ralph Guldahl won the Santa Monica Open in 1931.
I don't know what I did to deserve all those breaks Spieth said.
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Spieth holed a 26 inch putt on the 18th green the fifth playoff hole for a win and new status. The former Texas star came to the Deere as a special temporary member. He heads to the British Open as a full fledged PGA Tour member with a two year exemption. He's also eligible for the season ending playoffs. And he collected a first prize check of $828 000.
I was just so lucky said Spieth who came in with five top 10 finishes this season. That's what it was.
Johnson an Iowa native who had been 3 0 in playoffs including one over Troy Matteson at last year's Deere was denied a 10th career victory.
You've got to tip your cap to Jordan Johnson said.
Spieth started the final round six shots back and promptly bogeyed the first hole. But he birdied five of the last six. The last one was that 44 foot bunker shot. He hit it thin but it took one bounce hit the pin and dropped into the hole.
Extremely fortunate Spieth said.
It looked like Spieth who closed with a 65 and finished at 19 under 265 would make a nice check and head home not to the British Open. But Johnson bogeyed the final hole of regulation for a final round 68. It was his 20th consecutive round in the 60s at TPC Deere Run but it opened the door for Spieth.
Clearly all I needed was a par on 18 so that was very unfortunate Johnson said. I feel like I'm really strong in those situations. At least I have been in the past.
Hearn and third round leader Daniel Summerhays playing in the final group also came to 18 with a share of the lead after Johnson's bogey. Hearn made par but Summerhays left his third shot in the same bunker Spieth had holed out from and made bogey.
Then came a five hole playoff that saw no birdies and multiple golden opportunities for Johnson and then Hearn to win. But Spieth ended up the last man standing.
I dodged multiple bullets Spieth said.
The playoff started at No. 18. Johnson nearly ended it early but his chip shot from behind the green from 30 feet caught the right side of the pin and lipped out.
If the pin isn't in that goes in I guarantee it Spieth said.
Johnson had another great chance on the second hole of the playoff also on No. 18. But his birdie putt burned the right edge of the hole. Spieth made a par putt just under 8 feet to stay alive.
Hearn a Canadian who has never won on the PGA Tour missed birdie putts of 10 feet on No. 16 and inside 5 feet on No. 17 to win. Spieth had made a 7 footer for par before Hearn's miss.
They returned to the 18th again. All three players hit their drives into the right rough. Johnson was stymied behind a tree. Spieth four feet away had a clear shot and was the only one of the three to hit the green. Johnson's punch 9 iron went in the water ending his title hopes.
Spieth two putted for a par and a new lease on his golfing life. Considered golf's next big thing he proved it under pressure Sunday.
I didn't think it would happen this fast Spieth said.
Rick Brown writes for The Des Moines Register.
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