JT Poston Cruises To John Deere Classic Title

The American cruised to a three shot win at TPC Deere Run, with Poston securing a spot at the 150th Open Championship

Poston shakes hands with his caddie as he celebrates his win at the John Deere Classic
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The final day at the John Deere Classic made for tense viewing, as a number of players battled it out for a first PGA Tour win as well as a spot in the 150th Open Championship.

However, as the dust settled at TPC Deere Run, it was American, JT Poston, who secured his second PGA Tour title and a spot at St Andrews in just a few weeks time, with a three shot victory giving him the biggest win of his career.

"There were a lot of nerves out there today," revealed Poston, who added "after today, knowing I can play with those nerves and I can win and shoot a good score, no matter the pressure, is massive.

"I can't wait to play at St Andrews. I have always wanted to play in one of those at any of the venues, but for my first one to be at St Andrews at the 150th, I can't wait to get there and see what it is like."

Beginning the final day, Poston began three shots clear of trio, Scott Stallings, Emiliano Grillo and Denny McCarthy. His day couldn't have started much better either, as the American launched himself out the blocks with three birdies on the bounce in the opening holes.

Five shots clear, those in the chasing pack did hunt the 29-year-old down but, through the front nine, he still found himself a few shots clear of fellow PGA Tour winner, Grillo.

That advantage did close to one stroke, however, Grillo faltered in the later stages as he searched for his first PGA Tour win since 2015. That left Poston to serve out the match as a run of pars kept him firmly ahead with a few holes remaining.

christian bezuidenhout looks on

Bezuidenhout will make his fourth appearance at The Open Championship

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Striping one down the middle of the fairway at the 18th, Poston found the green before two putting for a par and the biggest win of his career. Securing a spot in the 150th Open Championship, he is now fully exempt through the 2024 PGA Tour season.

Along with Poston, Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Grillo also earned spots at St Andrews. Poston also secures a place at the 2023 Masters, Players Championship and PGA Championship as a result of his victory.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x