Spieth Captures John Deere Golf Classic

SILVIS, Ill. -- Jordan Spieth made it a lot tougher on himself than it needed to be. In the end, Spieth got exactly what he was looking for from the John Deere Classic: a win and some positive energy ahead of The Open.

Spieth beat Tom Gillis on the second hole of a playoff to win the John Deere Classic on Sunday for his fourth victory of the season.

Gillis and Spieth, who opened the tournament with an even-par 71, finished the final round at 20-under 264. Zach Johnson and Danny Lee tied for third at 19 under.

"To be able to shoot 20-under in three rounds is nice momentum," Spieth said. "The finish, when I really didn't feel like tee to green I had much [Sunday], gives me a lot of momentum to draw on if I don't have my best stuff. "

The 46-year-old Gillis, who was attempting to become the oldest first-time winner on the PGA Tour in 20 years, sent an approach into the water. Spieth made par for his second win at TPC Deere Run in three years and improved to 3-2 in playoffs in his career.

Now Spieth heads to The Open in search of his third consecutive major championship. Gillis' consolation is a bid into The Open. It will be his first major appearance since the 2011 PGA Championship.