Gotterup Wins Phoenix Open in Playoff After Matsuyama's Struggles

Gotterup sinks long birdie putt on first playoff hole after Matsuyama's tee shot finds the water.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Chris Gotterup shot a final-round 64 and won the Phoenix Open on the first hole of a playoff after Hideki Matsuyama pulled his tee shot into the water on the 18th hole. Matsuyama had a one-shot lead heading into the final round but struggled down the stretch, missing several fairways and failing to get up-and-down from the bunker on 18 to avoid the playoff.

Why it matters

This was Gotterup's fourth career PGA Tour win and second in just three starts this season, showcasing his strong early-season form. Meanwhile, Matsuyama's collapse on the final hole was surprising given his history of success at the Phoenix Open, having won the event twice before.

The details

Gotterup birdied 5 of the last 6 holes in regulation to shoot 64 and force the playoff. Matsuyama had a one-shot lead heading to the 18th hole but pulled his tee shot into the water, leading to a bogey that sent the tournament to a playoff. On the first playoff hole, Matsuyama again pulled his tee shot left into the water, allowing Gotterup to sink a long birdie putt for the win.

  • Gotterup shot 7-under 64 in the final round on Sunday.
  • Matsuyama had a one-shot lead heading into the final round.
  • The tournament went to a playoff after Matsuyama's struggles on the 18th hole in regulation.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A 26-year-old PGA Tour player who won the Phoenix Open on the first playoff hole after Hideki Matsuyama's struggles down the stretch.

Hideki Matsuyama

A two-time Phoenix Open champion who had a one-shot lead heading into the final round but struggled with his driver and failed to get up-and-down from the bunker on the 18th hole, leading to a playoff that he lost.

Scottie Scheffler

The world's number one player who made a late charge on Sunday with a 64 to finish in a tie for third, one shot out of the playoff.

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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 (nbcsports.com)

“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 (nbcsports.com)

“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 (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

Gotterup will look to continue his strong start to the season at the upcoming events, while Matsuyama will aim to bounce back from the disappointment of this collapse at the Phoenix Open.

The takeaway

This tournament showcased the unpredictability and drama of professional golf, with Gotterup capitalizing on Matsuyama's late struggles to claim his second win of the young season. The performance of world number one Scottie Scheffler also highlighted the depth of talent on the PGA Tour.