Chris Gotterup secured his second PGA Tour win of 2026 by defeating Hideki Matsuyama in a sudden-death playoff at the WM Phoenix Open. Gotterup sank a 27-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole at TPC Scottsdale to claim the $1.728 million winner's share from the $9.6 million purse. The dramatic finish capped a final round filled with birdie runs and late drama.
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open delivered its signature excitement on Super Bowl Sunday at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course. Hideki Matsuyama entered the final round with a one-shot lead at 13-under, but his driver betrayed him, missing every fairway on the front nine despite a bogey-free 33. He turned in 2-under, maintaining a slim advantage over Si Woo Kim and Michael Thorbjornsen.
Drama escalated on the back nine. Michael Thorbjornsen eagled the par-5 15th to briefly lead at 17-under, but bogeys on 16 and 17 dropped him back. Matsuyama birdied 15 to reclaim the lead at 17-under, only to falter on 18 with a tee shot into the church pew bunkers. His second shot clipped the lip, leaving a 43-yard up-and-down attempt that missed, forcing a playoff at 16-under 268.
Gotterup, who opened with a 63 but struggled mid-tournament, exploded for a 7-under 64, birdieing five of his last six holes to post 16-under. On the playoff 18th, Gotterup drove into the fairway, while Matsuyama pulled his tee shot left, hitting a gallery rope and bouncing into the water after a crowd distraction. Gotterup then drained a lengthy birdie putt for the win.
"I'm having such a good time playing right now," Gotterup said post-victory, holding back emotions. Scottie Scheffler charged with a bogey-free 64 to tie for third at 15-under, one shot shy of the playoff. "I put myself in a tough position after the first round, but three really solid days," Scheffler noted.
Matsuyama, seeking a third Phoenix title, expressed disappointment: "It's shocking, but learn from it." The event, known for rowdy crowds, saw fan interference, including noises that caused Matsuyama to back off shots. Gotterup's triumph marks his fourth career PGA Tour victory, building momentum early in the season.
