Chris Gotterup wins 2026 WM Phoenix Open in playoff over Hideki Matsuyama

Gotterup birdied the first playoff hole to claim his second PGA Tour victory of the season.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Chris Gotterup defeated Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff to win the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. Matsuyama held a one-shot lead heading into the final hole but struggled off the tee, allowing Gotterup to force a playoff. Gotterup then made a long birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim the victory, his second PGA Tour win of the season.

Why it matters

The WM Phoenix Open is one of the PGA Tour's most high-profile events, drawing a strong field and large crowds. Gotterup's win over the top-ranked Matsuyama is a significant early-season victory that could propel him to greater success in 2026.

The details

Matsuyama entered the final round with a one-shot lead over the field, but Scottie Scheffler made a late charge with a 64 to briefly get within one. Matsuyama birdied the 13th and 15th holes to extend his lead, but a bogey on the 18th allowed Gotterup to force a playoff. On the first playoff hole, Matsuyama's tee shot landed just barely in play near the water, while Gotterup played the hole perfectly to make the winning birdie putt.

  • Matsuyama held a one-shot lead heading into the final round on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Scheffler briefly got within one shot of the lead with his 64 on Sunday.
  • Matsuyama birdied the 13th and 15th holes to extend his lead on Sunday.
  • Matsuyama bogeyed the 18th hole on Sunday to force a playoff with Gotterup.
  • Gotterup won the playoff on the first extra hole on Sunday.

The players

Chris Gotterup

An American professional golfer who won the 2026 WM Phoenix Open in a playoff over Hideki Matsuyama. This was Gotterup's fourth career PGA Tour victory and his second of the 2026 season.

Hideki Matsuyama

A Japanese professional golfer who entered the final round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open with a one-shot lead, but struggled on the 18th hole to force a playoff, which he ultimately lost to Chris Gotterup.

Scottie Scheffler

The top-ranked golfer in the world, who made a late charge on Sunday with a 64 to briefly get within one shot of the lead before finishing in a tie for third.

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What they’re saying

“I just tried to stay focused and not get ahead of myself. Hitting that long putt on the playoff hole was unbelievable.”

— Chris Gotterup (Yahoo Sports)

“I'm disappointed I couldn't finish it off, but Chris played great and deserved the win today.”

— Hideki Matsuyama (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Gotterup will look to build on this victory as he continues his quest for his first major championship, while Matsuyama will aim to bounce back at the upcoming Players Championship.

The takeaway

Gotterup's playoff win over the world's top-ranked player Matsuyama is a significant early-season victory that could propel the young American to greater heights in 2026. The dramatic finish at the WM Phoenix Open showcased the high level of talent on the PGA Tour.