Matsuyama Leads at Phoenix Open: Round 3 Scores & Updates 2026

TPC Scottsdale, Arizona – Hideki Matsuyama holds a narrow lead after the third round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, positioning himself for a potential third victory at the iconic tournament. The Japanese golfer finished Saturday with a 3-under 68, bringing his total to 13-under for the competition, a single stroke ahead of a tightly packed chasing group.

Four players are tied for second place at 12-under: Ryo Hisatsune, who co-led with Matsuyama after the second round, Nicolai Hojgaard, Maverick McNealy, and Si Woo Kim. Another four golfers – Matt Fitzpatrick, Akshay Bhatia, and two others – are just one stroke further back at 11-under, setting the stage for a dramatic final round on Sunday, February 9th.

World number one Scottie Scheffler is within striking distance, finishing the day at 8-under. After a challenging first round, Scheffler has steadily climbed the leaderboard, demonstrating the form that saw him win the tournament in both 2022 and 2023. His resurgence underscores the competitive intensity of this year’s event, which continues to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators.

The tournament, known for its boisterous atmosphere and the famously rowdy 16th hole, appears to have adopted a slightly more subdued tone this year, according to some players. Viktor Hovland, who is currently at 9-under, noted that the event feels “more tame” compared to previous years. “I don’t really think it’s too crazy at all,” Hovland said. “It’s fun. It’s reasonable.” He added that the enthusiastic, if sometimes boisterous, crowd is part of the unique appeal of the Phoenix Open.

Fitzpatrick’s round was a rollercoaster, briefly sharing the lead before a double-bogey on the 16th hole. He recovered with a birdie on the 17th, but a bogey on the 18th left him slightly off the pace. The fluctuating leaderboard highlights the challenging nature of the Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale, where a single mistake can quickly alter a player’s fortunes.

The third round began with a resumption of play for those who hadn’t completed their second rounds due to darkness on Friday, February 6th. Tee times for the final round were determined after the completion of the second round, with play beginning at 9:30 a.m. MST.

Spectators at the 16th hole were treated to an impromptu rendition of “Sweet Caroline” before the competition reached that iconic location, demonstrating the festive spirit that defines the WM Phoenix Open. The event continues to be a significant draw for golf fans, offering a unique blend of high-level competition and lively entertainment.

Television coverage of the final round will be broadcast on Golf Channel from 10 a.m. To 1 p.m. MST, and then on CBS from 1 p.m. To 4:30 p.m. MST. Streaming options are also available through ESPN+ and Sirius XM radio will provide live audio coverage from 11 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. MST.

Beyond the competition on the course, the WM Phoenix Open continues to emphasize its charitable contributions. The tournament has raised over $226 million for local charities, demonstrating its commitment to the Scottsdale community. This year’s event is no exception, with proceeds benefiting a variety of local organizations.

The presence of multiple former champions, including Matsuyama, Scheffler, and Brooks Koepka, adds to the prestige of the tournament. Koepka, a two-time winner, is making his second start of the season as he returns to the PGA Tour. The field also includes Xander Schauffele, Cameron Young, Collin Morikawa, and Jordan Spieth, all vying for their first WM Phoenix Open title.

As Matsuyama prepares for the final round, he will face a formidable challenge from a determined group of contenders. The outcome of the tournament remains uncertain, promising a thrilling conclusion to what has already been a captivating event. The final round is expected to draw a large crowd, eager to witness the culmination of a week of intense competition and festive celebration at TPC Scottsdale.