SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Chris Gotterup secured his second PGA Tour victory of the season, and the fourth of his career, on Sunday at the Phoenix Open, overcoming a resilient Hideki Matsuyama in a dramatic playoff at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course. The win comes after Gotterup’s season-opening triumph at the Sony Open, solidifying his position as a rising force in professional golf.
The final round proved to be a captivating duel, with Matsuyama, seeking his third Phoenix Open title, and Gotterup trading blows throughout the day. Matsuyama, a two-time champion at Scottsdale (2016, 2017), entered the day with a one-stroke lead, a position he had successfully converted into victory in all five previous instances when holding the 54-hole advantage. However, Sunday’s performance saw him struggle to maintain his form, particularly off the tee.
Matsuyama’s round included a series of near misses and unfortunate breaks. He narrowly avoided finding the water on the par-4 17th, and then pulled his drive on the 18th into a difficult bunker. Unable to recover from 43 yards, Matsuyama finished with a 68, matching Gotterup’s score of 16-under 268 and forcing a playoff.
Gotterup demonstrated remarkable composure down the stretch, carding five birdies in his final six holes to close with a 7-under 64. Before the playoff began, he remained focused by hitting practice balls on the first tee, a testament to his calm demeanor under pressure. That focus translated to a powerful drive on the first playoff hole, setting up a decisive opportunity.
The playoff was short-lived. Matsuyama’s tee shot found the water, effectively ending his chances. After a drop, he managed to get his third shot onto the green, but Gotterup capitalized on the opportunity, sinking a birdie putt to claim the victory. The win marks Gotterup’s fourth career PGA Tour title.
While the tournament ultimately came down to a playoff, the leaderboard was filled with notable performances. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler mounted a significant charge, overcoming a shaky first round to contend for the title. Scheffler, aiming to extend his PGA Tour record for consecutive cuts made, began the tournament with a 73 but rebounded with a 65 on Friday. His impressive Sunday round of 64, highlighted by a 72-foot putt on the 14th hole, brought him within one stroke of the lead, but a missed birdie putt on the 18th ultimately left him in a five-way tie for third at 15-under.
Scheffler’s strong performance also extended his active cuts streak to 66 tournaments, a testament to his consistency, and skill. He navigated a challenging course and a competitive field, showcasing his ability to contend even when not at his best.
Matsuyama’s final-round struggles were a stark contrast to his previous successes at TPC Scottsdale. His two prior victories in 2016 and 2017 were both marked by dramatic comebacks, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. However, this year, a combination of errant drives and missed opportunities proved costly.
The tournament began with Matsuyama leading a group of four players by one stroke, with Scheffler and others closely behind. Scheffler’s early struggles threatened his streak, but he quickly turned things around, demonstrating the resilience that has become a hallmark of his career. He trimmed seven strokes off his score from the first round to the second, and continued to climb the leaderboard throughout the weekend.
Despite falling short, Scheffler’s performance underscored his status as one of the top golfers in the world. His ability to recover from a poor start and contend for the title demonstrates his mental fortitude and unwavering commitment to excellence. The Phoenix Open provided a thrilling finish and showcased the talent and competitive spirit of the PGA Tour.
