Chris Gotterup wins WM Phoenix Open in playoff over Hideki Matsuyama

Gotterup sinks 27-foot birdie putt on first playoff hole after Matsuyama's tee shot finds water

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Chris Gotterup shot a final-round 64 and won the WM Phoenix Open with a birdie on the first hole of a playoff after Hideki Matsuyama pulled his tee shot into the water. Matsuyama, the 54-hole leader, stumbled down the stretch with several missed fairways, allowing Gotterup to force the playoff. Scottie Scheffler made a late charge but ultimately finished in a tie for third.

Why it matters

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

The details

Heading into the final round, Matsuyama held a one-shot lead over the field. However, he struggled with his driver, missing 11 fairways on the day. His tee shot on the 17th hole nearly found the water, and his drive on 18 landed in the church pew bunkers. Matsuyama was unable to get up-and-down, sending the tournament to a playoff. Gotterup, who won the season-opening Sony Open, birdied the first playoff hole to claim the title after Matsuyama's tee shot found the water.

  • Matsuyama held a one-shot lead heading into the final round on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • Gotterup shot a final-round 64 to force the playoff on February 9, 2026.
  • The playoff took place on the first hole on February 9, 2026.

The players

Chris Gotterup

An American professional golfer who won the WM Phoenix Open in a playoff, his fourth career PGA TOUR victory and second in three starts this season.

Hideki Matsuyama

A Japanese professional golfer who was the 54-hole leader but stumbled down the stretch, losing in a playoff to Gotterup. Matsuyama is a two-time champion of the WM Phoenix Open.

Scottie Scheffler

The world's top-ranked golfer, who made a late charge on Sunday to finish in a tie for third place after opening the tournament with a shaky first round.

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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 (San Francisco Chronicle)

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This playoff victory for Chris Gotterup is a significant early-season win that could propel him to greater success on the PGA Tour in 2026. The collapse by Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time champion of this event, is a surprising turn of events that raises questions about his ability to close out tournaments when holding the 54-hole lead.