Gotterup wins Phoenix Open in playoff after Matsuyama falters

Chris Gotterup birdied the first playoff hole to claim victory after Hideki Matsuyama's tee shot found the water.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Chris Gotterup shot a closing 64 to force a playoff with Hideki Matsuyama, who had a one-shot lead heading into the final round. Matsuyama struggled down the stretch, including a wild tee shot on the 18th hole that led to a playoff. Gotterup took advantage, sinking a long birdie putt on the first playoff hole to claim his fourth career PGA Tour win.

Why it matters

The Phoenix Open is one of the PGA Tour's most high-profile events, drawing large crowds and media attention. Matsuyama was seeking his third Phoenix Open title, but his collapse on the final hole opened the door for Gotterup to earn a big early-season victory.

The details

Matsuyama had a one-shot lead heading into the final round, but struggled with his driver, missing 11 fairways. He nearly hit his tee shot into the water on the 17th hole and then pulled his drive left into the bunkers on 18, leading to a playoff. Gotterup, who had birdied 5 of his final 6 holes in regulation, took advantage in the playoff, hitting a massive drive and then sinking a 27-foot birdie putt to claim the win.

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

The players

Chris Gotterup

A 26-year-old American golfer who earned his fourth career PGA Tour victory with the win at the Phoenix Open.

Hideki Matsuyama

A two-time Phoenix Open champion who was seeking his third title at the event, but struggled down the stretch and lost in a playoff.

Scottie Scheffler

The world's number one ranked player, who made a late charge up the leaderboard on Sunday but ultimately finished in a tie for third.

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What they’re saying

“You never know what to expect. We went over to the first tee, hit a couple balls, was watching, and then all of a sudden you're out there on 18 and everyone is going nuts and you're like, all right, this is it.”

— Chris Gotterup (Newser)

“I wanted to avoid the playoff as much as I could, but I just hit a bad tee shot there in regulation at 18.”

— Hideki Matsuyama (Newser)

“I feel confident in what I'm doing and feel like I have played well enough to feel confident to be able to be in those positions. So far, I've been able to capitalize on those.”

— Chris Gotterup (Newser)

What’s next

Gotterup will look to build on his early-season success as the PGA Tour season continues, while Matsuyama will aim to bounce back from the disappointing finish at the Phoenix Open.

The takeaway

The dramatic finish at the Phoenix Open showcased the unpredictability of golf, as Matsuyama's collapse opened the door for Gotterup to earn a big early-season victory. The win further establishes Gotterup as a rising star on the PGA Tour.