Brian Harman wins John Deere Classic

Brian Harman of America shot a brilliant final round of 66 to win the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Illinois by one stroke from America's Zach Johnson.

Brian Harman of America shot a brilliant final round of 66 to win the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Illinois by one stroke from America's Zach Johnson.

Harman began the day with a one shot lead over three time champion Steve Stricker. Harman's top spot looked decided after he offset a bogey on the 5th with a birdie on the challenging par-4 9th hole.

Harman successfully made three straight birdies on the final five holes of the tournament to beat Zach Johnson to the lead. After an eagle on the 2nd, Harman went on to secure three consecutive birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th to card a final round of five under 66.

Harman finished with a -22, the second best final score at the John Deere Classic after Steve Stricker's 26 under in 2010.

Despite a courageous effort by Johnson, who made 7 birdies during the final round, the 2012 champion fell short of Harman's efforts to clinch his first PGA Tour title.

As a result of the victory, Harman has secured his place at the Open Championship at Hoylake on July 17 as well as the 2015 Masters.

The American has also been lifted to 14th in the FedExCup and has received $846,000 in prize money.

Harman, speaking to CBS, said, "I bought my passport and a couple of jackets. I can't wait to get on that plane."

Harman explained that he was very aware of the benefits that could come with winning at TPC Deere Run saying, "I think anybody who says they block all that out, they're being a little facetious."

Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas finished in tied third place with America's Jerry Kelly, finishing 19 under par.

Defending champion, Jordan Spieth, finished in a tie for seventh place after a closing round of 66 for 268. Spieth's bogey on the 16th marked Harman's incredible effort as the 27 year old made birdie on the same hole.

Bo Van Pelt, Ryan Moore and Johnson Wagner all finished the weekend tied with Spieth for a total of 16 under par.

Speaking on his victory, Harman explained, "at the beginning of this year, I kind of caught myself trying to imitate too many guys at once. And I just kind of made the decision to try and be a little bit better version of myself.

"To do the things that I know how to do and to see where that took me."

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Illinois July 10-13, purse $4,700,000, par 71

1 Brian Harman (USA) 63 68 65 66 262 2 Zach Johnson (USA) 63 67 69 64 263 T3 Jhonattan Vegas (Ven) 69 68 63 65 265 T3 Jerry Kelly (USA) 66 68 65 66 265 T5 Scott Brown (USA) 67 70 661 68 266 T5 Tim Clark (RSA) 72 63 64 67 266 T7 Bo Van Pelt (USA) 67 69 67 65 268 T7 Jordan Spieth (USA) 71 64 67 66 268 T7 Ryan Moore (USA) 66 67 67 68 268 T7 Johnson Wagner (USA) 66 65 69 68 268

Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage