Chris Gotterup is yours 2026 WC Phoenix Open champion – and he won it in memorable fashion.
Standing on the 13th lane, Gotterup’s chances of victory seemed gone. After going on the par-3 12th, his 11-under total left him five shots off the lead. A strong top-10 finish (and a healthy payday) seemed possible. Taking the equipment home did not.
This assumption did not last long.
Over the final six holes, Gotterup caught fire, making five birdies to move into the clubhouse lead at 16. The run included a clutch putt from the fairway on the 18th hole that finished within five feet, putting the finishing touch on his final-round 64.
“I knew I was going to have to make birdie on 18,” Gotterup said. “But you never know.”
;)
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Even then, his fate was not entirely in his hands. Hideki Matsuyama, the 54-hole leader, still sat with a free putt, leaving Gotterup to wait within driving distance and hope for a miss.
That mistake finally came on the last hole.
Needing just one par to claim his third victory at TPC Scottsdale, Matsuyama holed his ball on 18 into the church bunkers left of the fairway. His approach clipped the edge of the bunker and bounced into the intermediate rough more than 40 yards short of the green. When Matsuyama failed to get up and down, the two returned to the 18th set for a playoff.
The playoff hole unfolded eerily similar to regulation. Gotterup once again blew his drive to the edge of the wedge, while Matsuyama again missed left, this time finding the water. Moments later, Gotterup poured his birdie putt into the center of the cup to seal the victory.
“I’m having such a good time playing right now,” Gotterup said, choking back tears. “I know everyone at home is watching and it’s so great.”
With the win, Gotterup earns $1.7 million, moves to the top of the FedEx Cup standings and becomes the first player to win multiple events during the 2026 season, following his win at The Sentry just three weeks ago.
“There are a lot of people who believe in me,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
