Chris Gotterup did not need to win the John Deere Classic this past week to prove that he is a potential superstar on the PGA Tour.
The last 12 months have launched Chris Gotterup‘s career to another level.
Of course, few will forget his performance at the Scottish Open where he managed to edge a battle with Rory McIlroy last year. And he has now won another three times since then.
How many golfers in the current game will be remembered in 50 years time?
Who is leaving the greatest legacy?
Gotterup does almost everything well. He is currently fifth on the PGA Tour for driving distance, while he is inside the top 20 for strokes gained off the tee, tee to green, and putting.
It really feels like a matter of time before Gotterup wins one of the game’s four biggest prizes.
But perhaps the John Deere Classic victory on Sunday did reveal Gotterup’s most underrated attribute – the control he has over his emotions.
Chris Gotterup was so impressive after winning the John Deere Classic
Gotterup broke down in tears when he spoke about how much it meant to have his brother on the bag at TPC Deere Run. It was clear just how special a moment it was for the pair.
And yet, there was little indication of that emotion coming out while the tournament was still in the balance. Gotterup did not get carried away when he set a target of 20 under par.
He simply got himself on the range and prepared for either Max Homa or Ben Kohles to potentially take him to a playoff.
Gotterup is ready to let his emotions show; he reacted in a similar way after winning the WM Phoenix Open earlier this year. However, he is able to wait until the right moment.
That is a superb trait for a 26-year-old who has experienced such a rapid rise.
Chris Gotterup has done Keegan Bradley a big favour with how he has responded to his Ryder Cup snub
It was also impossible not to be impressed by the way Gotterup reacted to a question about being snubbed for a place on last year’s Ryder Cup team.
Gotterup not only showed no bitterness about the decision Keegan Bradley made, but he opened up on how exciting it was to be involved in the conversation.
Unsurprisingly, he used the call as motivation to try and kick on. His reward will surely be a Presidents Cup debut later this year at Medinah.
Not picking Gotterup last September was clearly a mistake. However, the man himself has reacted in such a classy manner that it has probably done Bradley a favour, given the criticism the captain has received.
The John Deere Classic reminded everyone of just how impressive Gotterup is on and off the golf course.
It may not end up being the most prestigious win of his career, but his victory does confirm that he is on an amazing trajectory.
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