Scottie Scheffler, Chris Gotterup, Tiger Woods shine during PGA Tour's West Coast Swing

From Gotterup's breakout win to Scheffler's slow starts, the first portion of the 2026 PGA Tour season had plenty of standout performances.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The PGA Tour's West Coast Swing featured several notable storylines, including Chris Gotterup's breakout win at the WM Phoenix Open, Scottie Scheffler's slow starts despite his overall dominance, and the possibility of Tiger Woods making a return on the PGA Tour Champions before the Masters.

Why it matters

The West Coast Swing provides an early glimpse into the state of the PGA Tour and which players are emerging as top contenders for the season. Gotterup's rise to world No. 5, Scheffler's continued excellence, and the potential return of Woods are all significant developments that could shape the rest of the 2026 campaign.

The details

Gotterup, a big-hitting right-hander, won the WM Phoenix Open in a playoff over Hideki Matsuyama, cementing his status as a rising star on Tour. Meanwhile, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has struggled with slow starts, opening his last three events with rounds of 73, 72, and 74, despite still contending. As for Woods, the 50-year-old legend hinted that a return to competition could come before the Masters, potentially on the PGA Tour Champions.

  • Gotterup won the WM Phoenix Open in a playoff on February 12, 2026.
  • Scheffler has opened his last three events with rounds of 73, 72, and 74.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A rising star on the PGA Tour who won the WM Phoenix Open in a playoff, climbing to world No. 5.

Scottie Scheffler

The world No. 1 golfer who has struggled with slow starts in his last three events despite continuing to contend.

Tiger Woods

The 50-year-old golf legend who hinted at a potential return to competition, possibly on the PGA Tour Champions, before the Masters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No.”

— Tiger Woods (CBS Sports)

What’s next

Woods could potentially make a start on the PGA Tour Champions in the final two weeks of March to tune up for the Masters.

The takeaway

The PGA Tour's West Coast Swing showcased the emergence of a new star in Chris Gotterup, the continued dominance of Scottie Scheffler despite some slow starts, and the tantalizing possibility of Tiger Woods returning to competition before the Masters.