SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Matt Fitzpatrick began the 2026 WM Phoenix Open with an impressive start, electrifying fans at TPC Scottsdale on Thursday. His early surge, fueled by a series of birdies and a breathtaking front nine score of 29, placed him at 7 under par and atop the leaderboard, sparking hopes for an extraordinary performance. However, the momentum he generated began to wane during the back nine, leading to a less stellar finish.
Strong Start Sparks Enthusiasm Among Fans
Starting on the back nine, Fitzpatrick wasted no time, carding birdies on his first two holes. His streak continued as he recorded five consecutive birdies from holes 13 through 17. This remarkable run saw him complete his first nine holes in 29 strokes, creating a buzz among the crowd and spectators eager to witness a historic round. The excitement reflected Fitzpatrick’s reputation as a skilled competitor, especially following his recent Ryder Cup victory over the Americans last fall, and a lively meet-and-greet with LPGA star Jennifer Kupcho at the Westin Kierland Golf Club.
Challenges Surface in Second Nine
As the day wore on, Fitzpatrick’s rhythm faltered. On his second set of nine holes, he managed only a single birdie on the third hole, followed by a near miss with a lip-out on the seventh. This was compounded by two bogeys on the eighth and ninth holes, causing him to drop back from his early lead. He ultimately finished with a 6-under-par 65, a respectable score but one that fell short of the expectations set by his blistering start. Reflecting on his performance, Fitzpatrick admitted the collapse was frustrating.
“If I started bogey-bogey and finished 6 under, I would feel like the greatest player in the world. You got to try and reframe it, I guess.”
?Matt Fitzpatrick, Professional Golfer
Fitzpatrick’s History at Phoenix Open and Crowd Dynamics
Though Fitzpatrick missed the cut in last year’s tournament, he has a history of strong showings at the Phoenix Open, including three top-30 finishes and a top-10 placement in 2022. He mentioned the rowdy crowd at TPC Scottsdale, often called the “Greatest Show on Grass,” does not necessarily provide a clear advantage to players.
“I don’t think there’s any advantage there.”
“Realistically, it’s just two or three holes that might get a bit of abuse, but it’s all good fun. I love this week; it’s my fifth time here, and I’m always happy to be part of it.”
?Matt Fitzpatrick, Professional Golfer
Looking Ahead to Friday’s Round Amid Rising Pressure
Fitzpatrick acknowledged the challenges ahead with his Friday afternoon tee time, noting the party atmosphere will intensify as the weekend progresses. His most recent PGA Tour triumph at the 2023 RBC Heritage remains fresh in his mind as he seeks to regain momentum and perform strongly in one of golf’s most thrilling events. Fans are watching keenly to see whether Fitzpatrick can capitalize on his early promise and navigate the chaos of the WM Phoenix Open to chase victory.
