- Chris Gotterup fired a bogey-free 8-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open.
- Matt Fitzpatrick briefly held the lead but faltered with bogeys on the eighth and ninth holes.
- Calmer morning conditions favored early starters like Gotterup and Fitzpatrick.
- Several young players, including Michael Thorbjornsen and Pierceson Coody, are within striking distance.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Chris Gotterup is making a strong case for his second victory of the year,carding a flawless 8-under 63 Thursday morning at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. The free-swinging right-hander navigated TPC Scottsdale without a single bogey,establishing a two-shot advantage.
Gotterup’s remarkable effort puts him ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick, who also reached 8 under before a late-round stumble. A promising group-Michael Thorbjornsen, Nicolai Hojgaard, Pierceson coody, and Sam Stevens-are closely behind at 5 under.
“I think, to start the year, I really felt like I worked hard in the offseason to get ready for the season,” gotterup said. “TGL in the offseason also, just getting used to the adrenaline rush you get inside there and being able to hit shots under pressure has helped me and my game. It’s nice to start the year off on a good note.”
Gotterup played alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who struggled to a 73-his first over-par round since June 2025-and Jordan Spieth, who finished at 70.Gotterup’s round ignited on the back nine, beginning on the par-4 10th. He sunk an eagle putt from off the green on the par-5 13th, followed by three consecutive birdies from 6 to 10 feet.
Despite missing a chance to birdie the par-4 17th,Gotterup quickly responded with a 25-foot birdie putt on No.18 to complete a 6-under front nine. He continued his steady play on the more challenging front nine, capitalizing on the lone par 5 and adding another birdie on the par-3 7th.
“I feel like I’m doing things well and thinking through things well, and I think that’s the most vital thing,” Gotterup said.”I wouldn’t say today I drove it my best or did anything — I putted great today, but I just was in the right spot when I needed to be. I drove it unbelievably and did good stuff there. It’s nice to play well and also have other parts complement that. It’s been nice to manage my game properly.”
Fitzpatrick initially surged ahead, playing his first eight holes in 7 under and carding a 29, briefly raising hopes of a potential course record (60). While he added a birdie on No. 3, bogeys on Nos. 8 and 9 hampered his momentum.
“It’s disappointing. I guess the way you got to look at it is if I started bogey, bogey, and you finish 6-under, you come off feeling like the greatest player in the world,” Fitzpatrick said. “You got to try and reframe it there.If someone would’ve said, ‘Hear is 6-under to
