In the early rounds of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, Chris Gotterup posted an impressive bogey-free 8-under-par 63 on Thursday morning, giving him a two-stroke lead as he aims for his second win of the year. The right-handed golfer’s flawless play has him ahead of notable competitors, including Matt Fitzpatrick, who faltered late despite also reaching 8 under, and the world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who struggled with a 73.
Gotterup’s strong start came from strategic course management and excellent putting, as he recorded eagle and birdies through a confident back nine performance. His approach revealed a refined blend of aggressive shot-making and patience, which has marked his progress this season.
Strong Chase from Fitzpatrick and Emerging Young Talents
Matt Fitzpatrick surged early with a scorching start, tallying 7 under through eight holes and flirting with the course record, before dropping two costly strokes near the end of his round. Trailing Gotterup and Fitzpatrick, a group including Michael Thorbjornsen, Nicolai Hojgaard, Pierceson Coody, and Sam Stevens stood at five under, showcasing the depth of young contenders ready to challenge over the weekend.
The afternoon wave faced tougher wind conditions, leading to higher scores overall, with some experienced players like Hideki Matsuyama (68), Viktor Hovland (69), and Xander Schauffele (71) posting respectable rounds despite the increased difficulty. Brooks Koepka struggled, carding a 75 in the challenging afternoon slot.
Gotterup Reflects on His Offseason Preparation and Current Form
Gotterup credited his offseason focus and recent experience with TGL for acclimating to competitive pressure, helping him start the year on a high note.
“I think, to start the year, I really felt like I worked hard in the offseason to get ready for the season,”
he 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.”
Despite a round that wasn’t always perfect with the driver, Gotterup highlighted his mental approach and putting as keys to his success.
“I feel like I’m doing things well and thinking through things well, and I think that’s the most important thing,”
he explained.
“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.”
Scheffler Faces Setback as Spieth Posts Solid Round
Playing alongside Gotterup, Scottie Scheffler’s 73 marks his first round over par since June 2025, reflecting a rare stumble for the world’s top-ranked player. Jordan Spieth also competed in the group and carded a 70, playing solid golf but unable to keep pace with the leaders. Scheffler’s struggle demonstrates the challenges elite players face even on familiar courses, especially under pressure.
Gotterup’s Consistency Marks New Phase in Career
At 26 years old, Gotterup has now posted nine rounds under par in the 2026 season, including strong performances on demanding courses like Torrey Pines South. His scores—ranging from a low 63 to a high 70—reflect a player growing in confidence and control.
Beyond powerful driving, his iron play and course management have notably improved, providing balance and minimizing mistakes. He has learned to play to his strengths and keep emotions in check, which supports steady performance.
“We went through some stats from last year, and obviously, I had a great year last year,”
Gotterup shared.
“There were like two or three things that were kind of glaring in terms of losing shots in spots where if I didn’t look at stats I probably would’ve said I did decent at. We worked on that, and that was really the only things … other than just normal practice. Those were things that I worked on to get ready for this year.”
Fitzpatrick Remains Optimistic Despite Late Stumble
Fitzpatrick expressed disappointment after his closing bogeys but remains positive about his start.
“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,”
he remarked.
“You got to try and reframe it there. If someone would’ve said, ‘Here is 6-under to start day,’ and I can stay in bed, I would’ve snatched your hand off. I’m in a good position to start with and hopefully kick on.”
Notable Contenders Keep Pressure on the Leaders
Alongside Gotterup and Fitzpatrick, a number of contenders are shaping the leaderboard heading into the weekend. Pierceson Coody, now in his second season on the PGA Tour, has demonstrated significant progress with three consecutive top-20 finishes, including runner-up last week.
Coody currently leads the Aon Swing 5, a points race that secures entry to upcoming key tournaments like the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational. He expressed optimism about his trajectory:
“It’s certainly a different spot than I was in my rookie year,”
Coody said.
“I think I missed the first six cuts my rookie year. Last year, obviously, wasn’t playing on the West Coast and didn’t play in Florida, either, so I knew I was only going to start in the middle of the year essentially. Yeah, to be one up on the way I’ve started the last couple years feels really nice. I know I’ve set myself up to, yeah, keep moving the bar and playing well and play a little different schedule than I had the last few years.”
Updated Winning Odds Reflect Tight Competition
According to DraftKings Sportsbook odds for the 2026 WM Phoenix Open:
- Chris Gotterup: 3-1
- Matt Fitzpatrick: 8-1
- Pierceson Coody: 14-1
- Michael Thorbjornsen: 14-1
- Nicolai Hojgaard: 17-1
- Sam Stevens: 17-1
- Hideki Matsuyama: 18-1
- Jake Knapp: 18-1
- Scottie Scheffler: 21-1
The afternoon’s stiffer conditions impacted scoring, yet the likes of Matsuyama, a two-time Phoenix Open champion, managed a steady 3-under 68. His consistent iron game and historical comfort on TPC Scottsdale keep him in contention despite the tougher wind and course setup.
Shifts in Momentum Set Stage for Weekend Battle
Chris Gotterup’s steady approach and confident putting have positioned him well as the tournament progresses, while Scottie Scheffler’s rare early-round struggles underline the unpredictability of high-stakes golf. Emerging contenders like Coody and Thorbjornsen add intrigue, suggesting that the leaderboard may continue to fluctuate as conditions evolve.
The combination of youthful talent and seasoned performers battling at TPC Scottsdale promises an intense finish, with Gotterup aiming to build on his lead and Scheffler seeking to regain rhythm and momentum heading into the weekend rounds.
Firing out the gate 🔥
With one win under his belt in 2026, @ChrisGotterup is on the hunt for another early @WMPhoenixOpen. pic.twitter.com/XPsdrvF7iO
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 5, 2026
