In a stunning turn of events, the WM Phoenix Open 2026 witnessed a dramatic finish that left fans on the edge of their seats! Chris Gotterup emerged as the champion, but it wasn't without a nail-biting playoff.
The Final Showdown:
Chris Gotterup, fresh from his Sony Open victory in Hawaii, showcased his prowess with a remarkable 7-under 64. But the real drama unfolded in the playoff, where his opponent, Hideki Matsuyama, faced a challenging situation. Matsuyama, leading by one at the start of the final round, had a history of converting 54-hole leads into wins. However, the pressure was on as he struggled on the Stadium Course.
A Tale of Two Tees:
On the 17th, Matsuyama narrowly avoided disaster, almost hitting his tee shot into the water. But on the 18th, his drive veered left into the church pew bunkers, marking his 11th missed fairway. In a crucial moment, he failed to recover, hitting the bunker's face and missing the chance to extend the tournament. Gotterup, on the other hand, kept his cool, hitting a massive drive on the 18th in the playoff.
The Deciding Moment:
Matsuyama's tee shot in the playoff mirrored his regulation shot, but with a twist. It caromed off the lake's bank, finding its watery grave. Gotterup seized the opportunity, sinking his birdie putt for a decisive victory, his fourth PGA TOUR win. But here's where it gets intriguing: Matsuyama, a two-time WM Phoenix Open champion, had a chance to reclaim his glory. With four birdies in five holes on the back nine, he closed in on Gotterup. Yet, a massive drive on 18 didn't translate to victory, leaving him in a five-way tie for third.
A Star-Studded Field:
The tournament featured top-ranked Scottie Scheffler, who, after a shaky start, surged up the leaderboard. His 72-foot putt on the 14th was a highlight, but he fell short of catching the leaders. Matsuyama, a former back-to-back champion, started the final round with a slender lead, but it wasn't meant to be. Gotterup's resilience and precision secured his second win of the season, leaving fans wondering: Could this be the start of a new era in golf?
