Chris Gotterup Continues Hot Streak with Dominant Start at Pebble Beach

The rising PGA Tour star follows up his Phoenix Open win with a sizzling round at the iconic California course.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Chris Gotterup, the fifth-ranked golfer in the world, continued his impressive play on the PGA Tour by opening the Pebble Beach event with six straight birdies. This comes on the heels of Gotterup's come-from-behind victory at the Phoenix Open, his fourth career win on tour. The young American is establishing himself as one of the top players in the game, trailing only world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in the rankings among U.S. golfers.

Why it matters

Gotterup's rapid rise to the top of the PGA Tour has been remarkable, as he was ranked just 206th in the world a year ago. His recent success has put him in position to contend for major championships, including the upcoming Masters, where he'll make his first appearance as a competitor rather than a spectator.

The details

Gotterup opened his round at Pebble Beach by making six consecutive birdies, an impressive feat on the iconic California course. This hot start comes just a week after he won the Phoenix Open in a playoff against Hideki Matsuyama, his fourth career PGA Tour victory. At age 25, Gotterup is the second-highest ranked American golfer behind only world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and his four wins in the past four seasons are matched only by Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

  • Gotterup won the Phoenix Open on February 12, 2026.
  • Gotterup started the Pebble Beach event on February 16, 2026 with six straight birdies.

The players

Chris Gotterup

A 25-year-old American golfer who is the fifth-ranked player in the world and the second-highest ranked American behind Scottie Scheffler.

Scottie Scheffler

The world No. 1 ranked golfer, who has 20 career PGA Tour victories including four major championships.

Rory McIlroy

The reigning Masters champion, who has also won three other major titles in his career.

Hideki Matsuyama

A Japanese golfer who Gotterup defeated in a playoff to win the Phoenix Open.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just trying to keep my head on straight and not get too over my skis.”

— Chris Gotterup (Golf Digest)

“I'm just going to eat what you're eating.”

— Scottie Scheffler (Golf Digest)

“He's doing pretty good on his own, so I'm not too worried about him.”

— Chris Gotterup (Golf Digest)

What’s next

Gotterup's next major test will be the Masters Tournament in April, where he'll make his first appearance as a competitor at Augusta National after previously only attending as a spectator.

The takeaway

Chris Gotterup's meteoric rise on the PGA Tour, capped by his recent win in Phoenix and hot start at Pebble Beach, has established him as one of the game's elite young talents. His ability to contend for major championships, starting with the upcoming Masters, will be a key storyline to follow in 2026.