Chris Gotterup storms back for epic WM Phoenix Open victory

Chris Gotterup is your 2026 WM Phoenix Open champion – and he earned it in unforgettable fashion.

Standing on the 13th tee, Gotterup’s chances of victory seemed all but gone. After a bogey at the par-3 12th, his total of 11 under left him five shots off the lead. A solid top-10 finish (and a healthy salary) seemed likely. Taking hardware home didn’t do that.

That assumption didn’t last long.

Over the final six holes, Gotterup caught fire, carding five birdies to extend the clubhouse lead at 16 under. The run included a clutch wedge shot from the gallery on the 18th hole that finished within five feet, putting the finishing touches on his final round 64.

“I knew I had to make a birdie on 18,” Gotterup said. “But you never know.”

Even then, his fate was not entirely in his hands. Hideki Matsuyama, the leader on the 54 holes, was still one stroke clear, forcing Gotterup to wait on the driving range and hope for an error.

That blunder came on the final hole.

Needing just a par to earn his third victory at TPC Scottsdale, Matsuyama hooked his tee shot at 18 into the pew bunkers left of the fairway. His approach hit the lip of the bunker and sprayed into the intervening rough more than 40 yards short of the green. When Matsuyama failed to get up and down, the two headed back to the 18th tee for a play-off.

The playoff hole unfolded eerily similar to regulation. Gotterup again blasted his drive to wedge range, while Matsuyama again missed left and this time found the water. Moments later, Gotterup poured his birdie putt into the center of the cup to seal the victory.

“I’m having so much fun playing right now,” Gotterup said, choking back tears. “I know everyone is watching at home, and it’s just so amazing.”

With the win, Gotterup earns $1.7 million, rises to the top of the FedEx Cup standings and becomes the first player to win multiple events during the 2026 season, following his victory at The Sony just three weeks ago.

“There are so many people who believe in me,” he said. “It’s so much fun.”