Chris Gotterup, continuing his impressive ascent in professional golf, won his fourth PGA Tour title recently at the WM Phoenix Open held at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. The 26-year-old golfer defeated Hideki Matsuyama in a sudden-death playoff, securing his second win of the year and moving past world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler to lead the money list with earnings of approximately $1.7 million from the event.
NBA Stars Offer Encouragement to Gotterup
Although Gotterup appears confident in his game, he received supportive remarks from two fellow Oklahomans—Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves and former NBA star Blake Griffin. Their encouragement came through a playful interaction captured in a video posted by the PGA Tour on X.
Just continue doing what you’re doing. (Getting) two wins out of three tournaments is pretty special,
said Austin Reaves, showing admiration for Gotterup’s rapid success.
Whatever you do, don’t listen to us,
Griffin humorously advised, adding a lighthearted tone to their message.
Gotterup Values Support From Oklahoma Alumni
Gotterup acknowledged that both Reaves and Griffin are golfers and expressed his appreciation for their backing. He shared:
That’s funny. That’s awesome. They’ve actually both been reaching out to me and stuff, so it’s cool,
reflecting on their communication.
About his connection to Oklahoma, Gotterup remarked,
Even though I went to OU for one year, it feels like I went there for all four (years).
He also praised Austin Reaves’ skills, noting Reaves got game, and mentioned his eagerness to play golf with him someday, while complimenting Blake Griffin’s swing as well.
Gotterup’s Rising Status in Golf and Recognition Beyond the Sport
Gotterup’s strong performances against high-profile players underscore his emergence as a standout young talent in golf. His rise has even caught the attention of notable NBA athletes, highlighting the broader recognition of his growing success. This crossover of admiration from NBA players like Griffin and Reaves adds to the significance of Gotterup’s achievements on the PGA Tour.
As he continues to climb the ranks and claim major victories, Chris Gotterup’s blend of skill and determination positions him as a golfer to watch in the seasons ahead.
Fellow @OU_Athletics alum Blake Griffin and Austin Reaves played Riviera last week and had some words of "advice" for @ChrisGotterup 😂 pic.twitter.com/22g237ZqOW
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 18, 2026
