Matt Fitzpatrick began the Phoenix Open with an impressive six-under 65 at TPC Scottsdale, highlighted by a front-nine score of 29. As the tournament progresses, he trails leader Chris Gotterup by just two shots and remains optimistic about his chances to contend over the weekend. The focus keyword Matt Fitzpatrick Phoenix Open reflects his prominent position as the event unfolds in Arizona.
Early Leader Chris Gotterup Sets the Pace While Scheffler Struggles
Chris Gotterup currently holds the lead after carding a 63 in the first round, building on his strong recent form following a victory at last month’s season-opening event in Hawaii. Fitzpatrick’s performance, though marked by moments of lapse late in his round, positioned him close behind Gotterup, who impressed with six birdies and an eagle.
Fitzpatrick fired seven birdies in his first eight holes, culminating in a 29 on the front nine, and reached eight under par with a birdie at the par-three 12th hole. However, dropped shots on the final two holes reduced his score to six under. Despite this, Fitzpatrick expressed satisfaction with his round and sees it as a solid foundation moving forward.
“If someone said, here is six under to start the day and I can stay in bed, I would have snatched your hand off,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m in a good position to start with and hopefully kick on. I could argue I actually played better on my back nine than on my front nine to be honest. I felt like I gave myself a few more mid-range putts to make birdies and just didn’t quite make them.”
Scottie Scheffler Seeks Recovery Following Rough Opening Round
In contrast to the leaders, world number one Scottie Scheffler encountered difficulties, posting a two-over 73 and facing an early hurdle in his bid to avoid a rare missed cut. His round included five bogeys and a double bogey, balanced by five birdies, leaving him at risk of missing a cut for the first time since the 2022 FedEx St Jude Championship.
Scheffler began on the back nine but faltered at both the par-four 18th and the eighth hole. His visible frustration, including raising a hand in disbelief after errors, reflected the challenge he faced at TPC Scottsdale during the opening round.
European Players Remain Competitive Near Tournament’s Summit
Alongside Fitzpatrick, European contenders continue to show strength at the Phoenix Open. Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard stands among four players at five under par, while fellow Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen is positioned at four under. England’s John Parry also made steady progress, reaching three under with two holes remaining before play was suspended due to darkness.
The crowd around TPC Scottsdale’s famous stadium holes thrived on the momentum created by these scoring bursts, particularly drawn by Fitzpatrick’s energetic start.
Outlook as Phoenix Open Advances to Second Round
As the Phoenix Open moves into its second round at TPC Scottsdale, Gotterup holds a slim lead. Fitzpatrick and other European players are well placed to keep the pressure on the American leader. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler must mount a significant comeback to avoid an early exit. The dynamics suggest an engaging weekend with several contenders positioned for strong finishes.
