Chris Gotterup Claims Sony Open Title, Continuing Extraordinary PGA Tour Ascent
Chris Gotterup demonstrated a seasoned veteran’s touch at the 2026 Sony Open, securing his third PGA Tour victory in just three seasons. The 26-year-old finished at 16 under for the tournament, two strokes ahead of runner-up Ryan Gerard, after a masterful final-round 64 at Waialae Country Club. This win solidifies Gotterup’s status as a rising star on the tour, trailing only Rory McIlroy (eight) and Scottie Scheffler (four) in consecutive seasons wiht a PGA Tour win among active players. He is also the sixth player since 2024 to achieve three or more wins.
Gotterup’s triumph marks a continuation of a promising career that began with a victory in Myrtle Beach during his rookie year and included a stunning upset over McIlroy at the Scottish Open last summer. He opened the 2026 season with a strong 7-under 63, entering Sunday’s final round just two strokes behind 54-hole leader Davis Riley.
Riley, having converted one of his previous two 54-hole leads, appeared comfortable early on, notching two birdies in his frist five holes. However, a disastrous three-hole stretch – a bogey, followed by another bogey, and then a double bogey – opened the door for Gotterup, who seized the prospect with remarkable composure.
The big-hitting right-hander showcased his power, consistently overpowering the classic Seth Raynor design and taking aggressive lines off the tee without sacrificing accuracy. Four birdies on the front nine propelled him into the lead, and he extended his advantage through the middle of the back nine.
While his power was a significant factor,Gotterup’s success ultimately hinged on his extraordinary touch on the greens. He sank crucial birdie putts from 21 feet on No. 12, 26 feet on No. 13, and 12 feet on No. 17, effectively extinguishing any challenge from Gerard. A well-placed tee shot on the par-5 finisher, followed by a layup, wedge, and two putts, sealed the victory, suggesting Gotterup has elevated his game to a new level.
Other Notable Performances at the 2026 Sony Open
Robert MacIntyre finished tied for fourth at 12 under, delivering a stellar final round of 63 – the lowest of the day.MacIntyre, the third-highest-ranked player in the field, demonstrated a return to form, combining strong approach play with improved putting. “This is one of my favourite golf tournaments of the year, to be honest,” MacIntyre stated.”This is one of the best golf courses we play all year. You don’t have to bomb it. You can be short. It’s just a proper test of golf.” He acknowledged a need to maintain a positive attitude, noting that managing expectations will be crucial for continued success.
Hideki Matsuyama finished tied for 13th at 9 under. The former tournament champion battled his way into the weekend and showcased sensational tee-to-green play on Saturday, carding a third-round 65. However, a challenging final round, with two bogeys and no birdies across 11 holes, derailed any chance of a late surge.
Jordan Spieth finished tied for 24th at 7 under, displaying positive signs despite a lack of consistent momentum. he opened with two straight 68s but struggled to string together consecutive quality holes. “I thought I kicked some rust off,” Spieth commented. “I thought it was better than a month ago.” He identified close-range putting as an area for improvement, aiming to refine his game in planning for upcoming events.
Vijay Singh, at 5 under, finished tied for 40th, exceeding expectations and defeating several higher-ranked players in his first non-major start since the 2021 Honda Classic.This result also marked his first made cut on the PGA Tour as the 2020 Memorial.
collin Morikawa, however, endured a disappointing performance, failing to make the cut after struggling with his swing and putting throughout the tournament. His performance underscored the challenges of navigating the Waialae Country Club course when not at his best.
