Little-Known Players Lead Phoenix Open as Big Names Struggle

Upside-down leaderboard features unknown golfers at the top, while stars like Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka flounder

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open has an unusual early leaderboard, with little-known players like Chris Gotterup and Pierceson Coody leading the way, while big names like Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, and Jordan Spieth are struggling to make the cut. Gotterup, who has a win and a top-20 finish this season, leads at 8-under, while Fitzpatrick, Stevens, Thorbjornsen, Hojgaard, and Coody are all within three shots of the lead.

Why it matters

The upside-down leaderboard at the Phoenix Open has created the potential for an exciting weekend, with unknown players looking to break through and established stars trying to claw their way back into contention. This could be a breakout moment for some of the lesser-known players in the field.

The details

Chris Gotterup, who has a win and a T-18 finish this season, leads the field at 8-under par. He's followed by Matt Fitzpatrick at 6-under, with a group of four players - Sam Stevens, Michael Thorbjornsen, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Pierceson Coody - all tied for third at 5-under. Meanwhile, top players like Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, and Jordan Spieth are struggling, with Scheffler at 2-over, Koepka at 4-over, and Spieth at 1-under.

  • The first round of the 2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open was played on Thursday, February 5.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A little-known player who has a win and a T-18 finish this season, Gotterup leads the field at 8-under par.

Matt Fitzpatrick

An established name on tour, Fitzpatrick is in second place at 6-under par.

Scottie Scheffler

A top player who struggled in the first round, shooting a 2-over 74 and sitting in a tie for 89th place.

Brooks Koepka

Another star player who is in danger of missing the cut after a 4-over 76 in the opening round.

Jordan Spieth

Spieth started well but stumbled late in his round, finishing at 1-under and seven shots off the lead.

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What they’re saying

“I was like, I need to see Saturday here this week.”

— Chris Gotterup

“To be one up on the way I've started last couple years feels really nice. I know I've set myself up to keep moving the bar and playing well and play a little different schedule than I had the last few years.”

— Pierceson Coody

What’s next

The second round of the Phoenix Open will be played on Friday, February 6, with the cut line determining who will advance to the weekend rounds.

The takeaway

The upside-down leaderboard at the Phoenix Open has created an opportunity for lesser-known players to break through and potentially steal the spotlight from the big names in the field. This could be a chance for some of these young, hungry players to make a name for themselves on the PGA Tour.