Chris Gotterup fired an 8-under 63 to grab the first-round lead at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, embracing the electric atmosphere at TPC Scottsdale. Playing alongside Scottie Scheffler, Gotterup capitalized on the crowd's energy, especially at the famed 16th hole, while Scheffler struggled to a 2-over 73. The event, known for its massive fan attendance, sets the stage for potential shifts in the FedEx Cup standings.
The WM Phoenix Open kicked off on February 5, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale's Stadium Course, drawing record crowds to what is billed as the PGA Tour's most spectacular fan experience. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the course was renovated in 2014, with the par-3 16th hole—nicknamed 'The Coliseum'—serving as the tournament's heartbeat, surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
Chris Gotterup, hailing from New Jersey like his playing partner Scottie Scheffler, set the pace with a bogey-free 8-under 63. Starting on the back nine, he made the turn in 30, highlighted by an eagle on the 13th and birdies on four of the next five holes. At the 16th, Gotterup stuck his tee shot to seven feet, drained the birdie putt, and tossed the ball into the stands, igniting the crowd. "Yeah, it's impossible to not [ride the energy]," Gotterup said. "Even if you hate it, you have to embrace it. They're on top of you. There is no way to escape it, so you have to embrace it. It's a cool atmosphere."
He added birdies on the third and seventh holes to reach 8 under, briefly tying Matt Fitzpatrick before taking a solo lead as Fitzpatrick bogeyed late. Gotterup, who missed the cut in his first two appearances here, credited offseason work and TGL simulator league play for building his pressure-handling skills. "I think to start the year, I really felt like I worked hard in the offseason to get ready for the season," he noted.
Scheffler, tied for third in FedEx Cup points entering the week, endured an uncharacteristic round, shooting 73—his first over-par PGA Tour score since June 2025. The world No. 1 posted a double bogey on the second and five other bogeys against five birdies, ranking 104th in strokes gained around the green and 87th in approach.
Gotterup leads the FedEx Cup standings with 546 points after a tie for 18th at last week's Farmers Insurance Open, edging Ryan Gerard by four points. Scheffler sits tied for third with 500. With 20 of the top 25 players in the field, the tournament promises volatility in the points race. Separately, Scheffler shared a light moment, naming his 'starting five' PGA Tour golfers akin to a basketball lineup: Gary Woodland, Russell Henley, Jacob Bridgeman, Tony Finau, and himself.
The Apple Sports app's latest update enhances coverage, providing live hole-by-hole scores and leaderboards starting with this event.
