Johnson wins Deere in playoff

Jul. 15, 2012 7:22 pm

SILVIS, Ill. - Zach Johnson won the John Deere Classic on the second playoff hole Sunday, hitting his second shot to a foot for a birdie to beat Troy Matteson.

After Johnson and Matteson double-bogeyed the 18th on their first playoff hole, Johnson hit a 193-yard second shot from a bunker to 12 inches from the cup, again on the 18th. Matteson needed to sink a 43-footer to match Johnson's birdie, but didn't get the putt to the hole.

It was Johnson's second win of the season and ninth of his career.

Johnson birdied three of the last six holes in regulation, taking the lead until Matteson sank a 60-foot eagle putt on the par-5 17th. Johnson shot a bogey-free 6-under 65 to finish at 20-under 264. Matteson shot a 69.

Scott Piercy finished third, two strokes back after a 65.

Cedar Rapids native Zach Johnson pumps his first after making a birdie on the par four 14th hole during the final round of the 2012 John Deere Classic Sunday, July 15, 2012 at the TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. (Brian Ray/The Gazette-KCRG)