Chris Gotterup Wins Dramatic WM Phoenix Open

Payouts & Highlights from the 2026 Tournament

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The 2026 WM Phoenix Open delivered its customary dose of drama, culminating in a playoff victory for Chris Gotterup over a resilient Hideki Matsuyama. Gotterup's win, his second of the season, underscores the rise of a new generation of golfers challenging established stars like Scottie Scheffler. The depth of talent on the PGA Tour was on full display, with several players contending for the title.

Why it matters

Gotterup's victory, along with Scheffler's strong performance, hints at potential shifts within the professional golf landscape. The increasing depth of talent and lucrative prize purses are attracting more players, intensifying the competition and raising the stakes for established champions like Matsuyama.

The details

Gotterup's win was his fourth career victory and second of the 2026 season, following his triumph at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Scottie Scheffler's impressive Sunday round of 64 briefly put him within striking distance of the lead, but he ultimately fell short, finishing in a tie for third. Hideki Matsuyama's heartbreaking finish, bogeying the 18th after hitting into a fairway bunker, served as a reminder that even seasoned champions are vulnerable.

  • The 2026 WM Phoenix Open was played on February 9, 2026.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A rising star on the PGA Tour, Gotterup secured his fourth career victory and second of the 2026 season with his playoff win at the WM Phoenix Open.

Hideki Matsuyama

A seasoned champion seeking his third WM Phoenix Open title, Matsuyama entered the final round with a one-shot lead but couldn't withstand the pressure, bogeying the 18th hole to finish second.

Scottie Scheffler

One of the dominant players on the PGA Tour, Scheffler's impressive Sunday round of 64 briefly put him in contention, but he ultimately fell short, finishing in a tie for third.

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What’s next

The 2026 PGA Tour season will continue to unfold, with players vying for more victories and a chance to secure a spot in the lucrative FedEx Cup playoffs.

The takeaway

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open showcased the evolving landscape of professional golf, with a new generation of players like Chris Gotterup challenging established stars and the increasing depth of talent on the PGA Tour. This dynamic competition, fueled by lucrative prize purses, is shaping the future of the sport.