Jordan Spieth warmed up in style for The Open with a playoff win in the John Deere Classic on 12 July.

Spieth, who has already won the Masters and US Open this year, defeated world number 643 Tom Gillis at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois.

I came here for a reason and we accomplished that reason. I certainly have some momentum going into next week, said Spieth, responding to questions about returning to the site of his first PGA Tour win in 2013 to play the week before a major championship.

This was the world number twos fourth PGA victory of the season, moving him to within one victory of equalling Tiger Woods record for the most PGA Tour wins before the age of 22.

Playing the 18th hole for a third time in a half-hour, Spieth, who finished regulation with a three-under 68, used a short par putt for the victory over the 46-year-old Gillis, who was making his 172nd career PGA Tour start.

Gillis, who shot a 64 in regulation, saw his chance for victory end when his approach shot on the second playoff hole found water.

He still earned the final qualifying place for The Open, which starts on 16 July at St Andrews.

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