Matsuyama Leads Tight WM Phoenix Open After Round 3

Scottie Scheffler lurks one shot back as the battle for the title heats up

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:29am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golf tournament, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the course.The tight leaderboard at the WM Phoenix Open sets the stage for a thrilling final round, with the world's top golfers battling for the title.Phoenix Today

In a tightly contested third round at the WM Phoenix Open, Hideki Matsuyama shot a 68 to take a one-shot lead over a crowded leaderboard. Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, is just one shot back after a 67, while Ryo Hisatsune is tied for second after a late bogey on the 18th hole.

Why it matters

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the PGA Tour's most high-profile events, and the tight race at the top sets up a thrilling final round. Matsuyama is seeking his third title at this event, while Scheffler is looking to cement his status as the game's premier player with a victory.

The details

Matsuyama started strong with three birdies in his first four holes, including a long putt on the 4th. However, he also had some bogeys, showing that even champions have their struggles. Hisatsune, who shot a brilliant 63 in the second round, couldn't maintain that momentum on the front nine. Matsuyama's birdies on the 10th and 13th holes put him in the lead, but he closed with a series of pars. Hisatsune had birdies on the 10th and 17th, but a missed par putt on the 18th left him tied for second. Scheffler, the world's number one, made a grip change between rounds that seems to be paying off, with birdies on the 8th and 10th holes, including a hole-out from a bunker on the 10th.

  • Matsuyama birdied three of his first four holes, including a long putt on the 4th.
  • Hisatsune, who shot a 63 in the second round, couldn't maintain that momentum on the front nine.
  • Matsuyama birdied the 10th and 13th holes to take the lead.
  • Hisatsune birdied the 10th and 17th holes but bogeyed the 18th to fall into a tie for second.
  • Scheffler made a grip change between rounds that paid off with birdies on the 8th and 10th holes.

The players

Hideki Matsuyama

A two-time champion of the WM Phoenix Open who shot a 68 in the third round to take a one-shot lead.

Scottie Scheffler

The world's top-ranked golfer who shot a 67 in the third round and is one shot behind Matsuyama.

Ryo Hisatsune

A golfer who was tied with Matsuyama after 17 holes but bogeyed the 18th to fall into a tie for second place.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This tight leaderboard at the WM Phoenix Open sets up a thrilling final round, with Matsuyama seeking his third title at the event and Scheffler looking to solidify his status as the game's top player. The battle for the lead is heating up, and anything can happen in the final 18 holes.