Chris Gotterup Clinches Phoenix Open Playoff Victory Over Hideki Matsuyama

Chris Gotterup captured the Phoenix Open in a play-off over Hideki Matsuyama, closing a four-shot gap and posting 16-under. Matsuyama led after three rounds but bogeyed the 18th in regulation, which was the only dropped shot in a closing 68.

The play-off returned to the 18th, where Matsuyama’s tee shot found the water. Gotterup stayed in position, reached the green safely, and holed a birdie putt. That clinched a second PGA Tour victory of 2026 for Gotterup, following the title in Hawaii in January.

Gotterup had started the last round trailing Matsuyama by four, yet surged with a seven-under 64. The American produced five birdies across the closing six holes, applying pressure late. Matsuyama still controlled the outcome on the 18th, before the bogey

opened the door.

The leading scores at the Phoenix Open highlighted how tight the contest became during the final round.

He gets it done AGAIN! Chris Gotterup earns his second win of 2026 @WMPhoenixOpen in just three starts. pic.twitter.com/drvavWaxwQPGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 8, 2026

World number one Scottie Scheffler mounted a late charge and shared third at 15-under. Scheffler carded a final-round 64 to climb the board after a difficult opening day. Michael Thorbjornsen, Nicolai Hojgaard, Akshay Bhatia and Kim Si Woo also finished on 15-under.

"I put myself in a tough position after the first round, but three really solid days," Scheffler said. "It was another really good round. Overall, proud of the fight this week and did some good stuff. I played pretty well. Only one round where I didn't have my best stuff. If I get in the house the first day a couple under par, it's a little different story. Overall, proud of the way I fought the last three days to give myself a chance. "

Gotterup reflected on the win and admitted surprise at the Phoenix Open result, given earlier struggles. "I didn't think this would happen, especially after Friday and Saturday. But here we are," Gotterup said after the win. Asked about the source of this strong spell, Gotterup replied: "God, I don't know. I really have no idea. I'm just having such a good time playing right now. " Gotterup then spoke emotionally about support from home, adding: "You make me cry every time. My girlfriend is here. She's like, you've won three times without me here, and she got to see it, and I know everyone at home is watching. Just so awesome. "

The Phoenix Open result underlined Gotterup’s strong early-season form on the PGA Tour and highlighted Matsuyama’s consistent play despite the late error. Scheffler’s recovery to a share of third also kept the world number one prominent, as several leading names built momentum for the next events.