Gotterup Stuns Matsuyama in Phoenix Open Playoff Thriller
A dramatic birdie on the first playoff hole secured Chris Gotterup his first PGA Tour playoff victory at the Phoenix Open on Sunday, February 9, 2026, as Hideki Matsuyama suffered a heartbreaking finish after finding the water.
Chris Gotterup delivered a stunning performance at TPC Scottsdale, overcoming a four-stroke deficit to defeat Matsuyama in a sudden-death playoff. The victory marks Gotterup’s second title of 2026, following his triumph at the Sony Open in Hawaii last month, solidifying his position as a rising star in professional golf.
Late Surge Propels Gotterup into Contention
Starting the final round trailing third-round leader Matsuyama, Gotterup ignited his round with an impressive nine birdies, culminating in a seven-under par 64. A remarkable five of those birdies came in the last six holes, propelling him to a 16-under total of 268. “I knew I needed to make birdie on 18 but you never know,” Gotterup explained. “Hideki was playing great, 17 is birdieable but there’s also some danger out there.”
Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters Champion and a two-time winner in Phoenix, appeared poised for victory despite a shaky ball-striking day, finding only three of 14 fairways. He arrived at the 72nd hole with a one-stroke lead at 17-under, but a wayward shot into a bunker on the 18th led to his first bogey of the day. This resulted in a tie with Gotterup at 268, forcing a playoff.
Playoff Heartbreak for Matsuyama
The drama continued on the 18th hole for the playoff, where Matsuyama once again found trouble, this time landing his shot in the water. Gotterup seized the opportunity, drilling a long birdie putt to seal the victory. “I just figured I would stay loose. I didn’t think this would happen, especially after Friday and Saturday but here we are,” Gotterup added, reflecting on his fluctuating performance throughout the week, which included an impressive opening-round 63 followed by rounds of 71 and 70.
Matsuyama expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s disappointing, a shock,” but vowed to quickly refocus. “I’ll just get back up on the horse next week,” he said, adding, “I was grinding all weekend. Didn’t have my best stuff but hung in there.”
Scheffler and Others Fall Short
World number one Scottie Scheffler mounted a late charge but ultimately came up short in his bid for another Phoenix Open comeback. American Michael Thorbjornsen briefly held the lead with an eagle at the 15th hole but faltered with consecutive bogeys. Both Scheffler and Thorbjornsen finished in a five-way tie for third at 15-under 269, alongside Akshay Bhatia, Kim Si-woo, and Nicolai Hojgaard.
Scheffler, the 2022 Phoenix Open champion, carded a bogey-free seven-under par 64 on Sunday. “It was good,” Scheffler commented. “I put myself in a tough position after the first round, but three really solid days.” He is currently chasing a second win of 2026 after a victory at La Quinta earlier in the year.
© 2026 AFP
