Chris Gotterup fired an 8-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. Matt Fitzpatrick sits second at 6-under following a 65 marred by late bogeys, while a group including Michael Thorbjornsen lurks three shots back at 5-under. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler struggled to a 1-over 73 in his title defense.
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open, one of the PGA Tour's most vibrant events known as 'The People's Open' for its lively crowds around the stadium-like 16th hole, got underway on February 5 at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course. This par-71 layout stretches 7,261 yards and offers a $9.6 million purse. A refreshed viewing platform at the 16th hole enhances the fan experience this year.
In Round 1, Gotterup's bogey-free effort put him ahead of Fitzpatrick, who dropped shots on his final two holes. Four players, led by amateur Michael Thorbjornsen, carded 67s to sit at 5-under. Scheffler, fresh off a win at The American Express and seeking a third Phoenix title, opened with a 73 after starting on the 10th tee alongside Gotterup and Jordan Spieth.
Spieth, aiming for a career resurgence after a T24 at the Sony Open, last won on the PGA Tour at the 2022 RBC Heritage and his most recent major at the 2017 Open Championship. Two-time event winner Brooks Koepka, in his second start since returning from LIV Golf where he finished T56 at the Farmers Insurance Open, teed off in Round 1 at 2:44 p.m. ET from the 10th with Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young. Viktor Hovland also begins his 2026 season here.
Round 2 on February 6 features key groupings, including Scheffler, Spieth, and leader Gotterup at 2:55 p.m. ET from the first tee. Coverage airs on Golf Channel from 3:30-7:30 p.m. ET, with PGA Tour Live streaming on ESPN+ starting at 9:15 a.m. ET, including featured groups like Koepka, Schauffele, and Young at 10:04 a.m. from the 10th. The tournament runs through February 8.
