Loud Noise Stops Matsuyama Mid-Swing, Costs Him Phoenix Open Title

Hideki Matsuyama lost the Waste Management Phoenix Open playoff after being distracted by a dropped chair right before his swing.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Hideki Matsuyama was leading the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Sunday and headed to a playoff, but a loud noise from a dropped chair stopped him mid-swing on the first playoff hole. Matsuyama yanked his shot left into the water, allowing Chris Gotterup to birdie the hole and win the tournament.

Why it matters

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most raucous events on the PGA Tour, with fans known for creating a lively atmosphere. However, this incident highlights how even minor distractions can have a major impact on a player's performance in high-pressure situations.

The details

Matsuyama had surged into the lead on Saturday and held off challenges from Scottie Scheffler and Michael Thorbjornsen on Sunday. But he struggled with his driver, hitting just 3 fairways. Matsuyama also had to deal with a loud scream from the crowd earlier on the back nine that caused him to miss a par putt that would have won him the tournament outright. In the playoff, Matsuyama was about to swing when security dropped a chair, causing him to yank his shot left into the water. Gotterup then sank a 27-foot birdie putt to claim the title.

  • Matsuyama was about to swing on the first playoff hole when the loud noise occurred.
  • Earlier on the back nine, Matsuyama had to deal with a loud scream from the crowd that caused him to miss a par putt that would have won him the tournament.

The players

Hideki Matsuyama

A Japanese professional golfer who has won 7 PGA Tour events, including the 2021 Masters Tournament.

Chris Gotterup

A 26-year-old American professional golfer who now has 4 PGA Tour wins after claiming the 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open title.

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What’s next

The PGA Tour and tournament organizers may review security and crowd control measures to prevent similar distractions from impacting play in the future.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the fine line between an energetic fan atmosphere and distractions that can derail a player's performance, even at the highest level of professional golf. It serves as a reminder that even small disruptions can have major consequences in high-pressure moments.