Brian Campbell's Partner Kelsi McKee is 'His Rock' Amid John Deere Classic Victory
Brian Campbell capped off a fairytale week at the 2025 John Deere Classic by clinching his second PGA Tour victory of the season and he did it dramatically. The 32-year-old edged out Argentina's Emiliano Grillo in a sudden-death playoff at TPC Deere Run, where on-and-off rain showers added to the tension.
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Campbell, a former University of Illinois standout, took home the trophy a decade after missing the cut as an amateur at the same event in 2015. 'It's awesome. I've never had this much support at any golf tournament,' he said. 'What a special event.'
But behind every swing and every clutch putt this season, there's been a steady, calming force walking just outside the ropes Campbell's girlfriend, Kelsi McKee.
2025 tournament champion Brian Campbell, right, shows the trophy Kelsi McKee, post winning John Deere Classic tournament.Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
A former Texas A&M collegiate golfer and now a published fiction writer, McKee has been instrumental in Campbell's breakout year. The couple first connected in 2019 through a mutual love of golf, navigating long-distance challenges while Campbell battled injuries and fought to regain his PGA Tour card.
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McKee's support has gone far beyond cheerleading. With her background in competitive golf, she understands the emotional rollercoaster of the Tour. At the Mexico Open Campbell's first win earlier this year she was seen in tears.
And at the John Deere, she was once again by his side, quietly grounding him through the pressure of a playoff.
Campbell, who moved from 59th to 28th in the FedEx Cup standings, credited McKee post-round, calling her 'his rock.' After years on the Korn Ferry Tour and even contemplating quitting after a disastrous Q-School round, Campbell's resurgence is as much about resilience as it is about love.
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Related: Scottie Scheffler's PGA Payday Has Already Surpassed NHL's Highest Salaries
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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