New Jersey Native Chris Gotterup Tops PGA Tour Money List After WM Phoenix Open Win

Gotterup's playoff victory over Hideki Matsuyama earns him $1.7 million, moving him ahead of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Chris Gotterup, a New Jersey native, has taken over the top spot on the PGA Tour money list after winning the WM Phoenix Open in a playoff against Hideki Matsuyama. Gotterup's victory, his second of the season, earned him $1.728 million and pushed his total earnings to $3.498 million, surpassing world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler who finished third.

Why it matters

Gotterup's rise to the top of the PGA Tour money list is a significant achievement, especially given his relative newcomer status on the tour. His success highlights the depth of talent on the PGA Tour, with young players like Gotterup challenging established stars like Scheffler for top honors.

The details

In the final round, Gotterup shot a 65 to force a playoff with Matsuyama, who had led for much of the tournament. Gotterup then prevailed in the playoff to claim his fourth career PGA Tour title in just two years. The win also marked his second victory of the 2023 season, having previously won the Sony Open in January.

  • Gotterup won the WM Phoenix Open on February 8, 2026.
  • Gotterup previously won the Sony Open in January 2026.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A 25-year-old professional golfer from Little Silver, New Jersey who has now won four PGA Tour events in the last two years, including the WM Phoenix Open and Sony Open.

Scottie Scheffler

The current world No. 1 golfer, who finished third at the WM Phoenix Open and is second on the PGA Tour money list behind Gotterup.

Hideki Matsuyama

A Japanese professional golfer who lost to Gotterup in a playoff at the WM Phoenix Open.

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What they’re saying

“Just when the first three weeks of the PGA Tour looked as if it would be the start of another dominant season by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, another player with New Jersey ties has pushed his way to the top of the money list”

— Garry Smits, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The next major event on the PGA Tour schedule is the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which has a $20 million purse and will feature 18 of the top 20 players on the money list, including Gotterup and Scheffler.

The takeaway

Chris Gotterup's rise to the top of the PGA Tour money list demonstrates the depth of young talent on tour, with players like Gotterup challenging established stars like Scottie Scheffler. Gotterup's success also highlights the appeal of the PGA Tour's elevated events, which are drawing the top players and offering massive purses.