At the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Ryo Hisatsune emerged as the early leader Thursday with a remarkable bogey-free 10-under 62 at Pebble Beach Golf Links, marking the first signature event of the season. Hisatsune’s round not only represents his best career score on the PGA Tour but also his debut performance at Pebble Beach, highlighting his rapid rise in form coming off consecutive strong finishes.
The 23-year-old from Japan displayed exceptional putting skills, sinking several long-range putts and chipping in for birdie on the par-4 16th. This flawless start has established him as a player to watch, leading the field by one stroke as the tournament shifts to Spyglass Hill for the second round. Hisatsune’s previous low score of 63 at the WM Phoenix Open, where he tied for 10th, was quickly eclipsed, underscoring his growing confidence on tour.
Strong Contention from Top Players at Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach
Just behind Hisatsune sits American Sam Burns, who matched a 63 with outstanding putting, edging close with more than five strokes gained on the greens. Keegan Bradley also carded a 63 but narrowly missed a chance to tie the course record at Spyglass Hill. Bradley’s performance signals his return to form, alongside Jordan Spieth, who posted a bogey-free 66 marked by an eagle on the par-4 9th and precise short-range putting that helped maintain momentum throughout his round.
Chris Gotterup, a multiple winner this season, shares early leaderboard positions with other notable players, including Tony Finau and Patrick Rodgers, all sitting at 8-under. Spieth praised his work around the greens, stating,
“I thought I was really good on and around the greens,”
and discussed the challenges of club selection on the course. He added,
“Obviously, holing a wedge shot was probably the highlight of the day. But I just really plotted my way around.”
Rory McIlroy, last year’s champion, opened with a 68 on a challenging Spyglass Hill course despite struggles on the greens, including two double bogeys. His blades’ return appears promising, with McIlroy still outperforming the field average despite some missed opportunities.
Chris Gotterup Among Early Leaders at 8 Under
Currently tied for fourth place at 8-under par, Chris Gotterup has made a strong impression in the opening round, showing resilience and solid ball-striking amid high-caliber competition. The early leaderboard features a substantial mix of top players, including Nick Taylor, Akshay Bhatia, Andrew Novak, and Tom Hoge at 7-under, followed by a cluster of experienced names at 6-under like Russell Henley, Jake Knapp, Jordan Spieth, and Patrick Cantlay. Gotterup’s consistent form this season places him as a serious contender, alongside the likes of Sam Burns and Keegan Bradley.
Scottie Scheffler Faces Challenges in Opening Round
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is off to a rocky start, signing for a 72 that leaves him 10 strokes behind the lead, mirroring his deficit from last week’s WM Phoenix Open. Scheffler’s round was marked by missed birdie opportunities and uncharacteristic struggles with both his iron play and putting. He lost over two strokes on approach shots and failed to establish consistent scoring chances, a departure from his usual precision.
Despite opportunities on the par-5 6th and a late birdie on the final hole, Scheffler’s round was a slow accumulation of missed chances rather than sharp setbacks. His putter failed to convert on short-range attempts, including a missed three-foot par putt, compounding a difficult day that leaves much work ahead in Friday’s round.
Course Conditions Influence Scoring Trends at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill
The opening round saw Pebble Beach Golf Links play significantly easier, with scores averaging nearly four strokes under par, while Spyglass Hill presented a sterner test, playing about two strokes harder. These conditions set the stage for intriguing strategic decisions as players transition between venues over the remaining rounds, demanding adaptability and course management.
Updated Betting Odds Reflect Tournament Dynamics
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Keegan Bradley currently leads the betting market at 8-1, followed by Chris Gotterup at 19/2 and Sam Burns at 10-1. Ryo Hisatsune is pegged at 13-1, with established names like Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy both listed at 17-1. Jake Knapp and Patrick Rodgers share odds of 18-1, while Scottie Scheffler, reflecting his recent performance struggles, has drifted to 35-1 from an opening 3-1 favorite.
With many players still to find their stride, the leaderboard remains fluid, and Friday’s rounds will be crucial in shaping the final outcomes. Rory McIlroy’s ability to overcome his putting woes could prove decisive, as could Gotterup’s continued consistency. Scheffler faces an uphill battle but has the skill set to challenge if he regains form.
Significance of the 2026 Pebble Beach Pro-Am Early Standings
Chris Gotterup’s position near the top of the leaderboard early in the 2026 Pebble Beach Pro-Am underpins his status as a player in form, capable of leveraging momentum toward victory. Ryo Hisatsune’s record-setting round shines a spotlight on a rising star who could impact the PGA Tour landscape if he maintains this trajectory. Meanwhile, established champions and contenders like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth must navigate course challenges and mounting pressure to remain in contention.
The intensity of the leaderboard, coupled with contrasting course conditions between Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill, heightens the competitive stakes. As the tournament unfolds, players’ ability to adapt and capitalize on putting and ball-striking will be decisive factors in the pursuit of the season’s first marquee title.
Spieth from DEEP! 🦅
The 2017 @ATTProAm champ is T2 thru 9!
📺 @PGATOURLIVE on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/tY69jONV3A
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 12, 2026
