Japanese Golfers Shine at Phoenix Open

Ryo Hisatsune takes 2nd-round lead, Hideki Matsuyama surges into contention

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:23pm

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In the second round of the Phoenix Open, Japanese golfers Ryo Hisatsune and Hideki Matsuyama put on a show. Hisatsune shot a bogey-free 63, including a dramatic chip-in for birdie after hitting his tee shot into the water on the 17th hole, to take the lead at 11-under par. Matsuyama also had an impressive round, firing a 64 with six straight birdies to get to 10-under and within one shot of the lead. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler bounced back from an opening 73 to shoot a 65 and move into contention, seven shots back of Hisatsune.

Why it matters

The Phoenix Open is one of the most high-profile events on the PGA Tour, known for its lively crowds and exciting finishes. The strong performances by the Japanese players, Hisatsune and Matsuyama, have added an international flair to the tournament and set up an intriguing weekend showdown. Scheffler's ability to recover and make the cut also highlights his consistency as the world's top-ranked player.

The details

Hisatsune had a remarkable round, going 6-under par over a five-hole stretch on the back nine, highlighted by his chip-in for birdie on the par-4 17th hole after hitting his tee shot into the water. Matsuyama, a two-time Phoenix Open champion, made six straight birdies on the back nine to surge into contention. Scheffler, the defending champion, struggled in the opening round but bounced back with a bogey-free 65 to move within seven shots of the lead.

  • Hisatsune chipped in for birdie on the par-4 17th hole during his second round on Friday.
  • Matsuyama made six straight birdies on the back nine during his second round on Friday.
  • Scheffler shot a 73 in the opening round on Thursday, but followed it up with a 65 in the second round on Friday.

The players

Ryo Hisatsune

A 23-year-old Japanese golfer who is in his second season on the PGA Tour. He tied for second at Torrey Pines last week and has four top-10 finishes as a rookie last year.

Hideki Matsuyama

A two-time Phoenix Open champion and one of the top Japanese golfers on the PGA Tour. He is currently ranked 11th in the world.

Scottie Scheffler

The world's number one ranked golfer, who is the defending champion at the Phoenix Open. He has won twice when trailing by more than seven shots, including his first PGA Tour victory at this event in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“It was very lucky. A nice tee shot, but I kind of a pulled it little bit into the water. Some more reset and make it, (so) going to be more fun.”

— Ryo Hisatsune

“Felt a bit lost out there at times yesterday, so today felt a lot better, felt more in control of my game. You can obviously see that through the cleaner card today.”

— Scottie Scheffler

“It's a great golf course. You have to play well here, strike the ball well to play well and the crowd gets me geared up for that.”

— Hideki Matsuyama

What’s next

The third round of the Phoenix Open will be played on Saturday, with Hisatsune and Matsuyama paired together in the final group.

The takeaway

The strong performances by the Japanese players, Hisatsune and Matsuyama, have added an exciting international element to the Phoenix Open. Their ability to thrive in the lively atmosphere of the tournament has set up an intriguing weekend showdown, while Scheffler's recovery shows his resilience as the world's top-ranked player.