Jordan Spieth’s playoff victory at the 2015 John Deere Classic is a defining moment in modern PGA Tour history. In a tense finish at TPC Deere Run, Spieth edged veteran Tom Gillis to secure yet another title during the peak of his early dominance on Tour.
Gillis, a seasoned competitor still seeking his first PGA Tour win, had a golden opportunity. Unfortunately, a costly shot into the water on the second playoff hole ended his hopes. Spieth’s triumph launched him toward the Tour Championship and another major victory later that year.
Inside the locker room, Spieth’s win became the subject of lighthearted banter. Jason Dufner, among others, joked that Spieth had “ruined” Gillis’s life, costing him a two-year exemption and a chance at the Tournament of Champions. It remains a story often retold among players.
While Spieth’s career ascended to new heights, Gillis’s competitive days on Tour slowly faded. It’s a reminder in professional golf: the margins are razor-thin, and one playoff can change the entire course of a career — for better or worse.
