Team Bridgestone's Christopher Gottleb of the United States claimed his third PGA Tour title of the season at the John Deere Classic, vaulting to the top of the 2026 season win standings and to seventh in the world rankings. The victory has thrust Gottleb into the spotlight as a leading challenger to world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.
Gottleb switched to Bridgestone Golf's new Tour B X Mindset ball this year and has since posted a season average driving distance of 321.5 yards — fifth on tour — with a long drive of 411 yards, a marked improvement credited as a key driver of his winning run.
The Tour B X ball, also known as the "Tiger Woods ball," is also used by Jung Han-mil, who won last week's KPGA Gunsan CC Open after holing an eagle from 116 meters as a springboard to victory. The ball is noted for its distance and precise control.
In addition to the ball, Gottleb plays Bridgestone Golf's 220MB irons — a forged soft-iron muscle-back design prized for feel and spin stability.
Bridgestone Golf announced Tuesday it will hold a social media event to celebrate Gottleb's John Deere Classic victory.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
