Chris Gotterup Takes Commanding Lead at the 2026 Phoenix Open

Chris Gotterup is making headlines again as he seeks to secure his second US PGA Tour title of 2026 at the Phoenix Open. The talented American golfer, who recently clinched victory at the Sony Open in Hawaii, began the tournament with an impressive eight-under-par 63, featuring an eagle and six birdies. Meanwhile, world number one Scottie Scheffler found himself struggling, finishing ten shots behind and in a precarious position regarding his streak of 65 consecutive made cuts.

First Round Highlights

• Chris Gotterup: 8-under 63
  • Eagle: 27-foot putt at the 13th
  • Birdies: 14th, 15th, 16th, 18th, 3rd, 7th

Gotterup’s round commenced on the back nine at TPC Scottsdale, and he wasted no time showcasing his skills. His day was highlighted by a remarkable eagle putt from off the green on the 13th hole, which set the tone for a series of birdies. Reflecting on his performance, Gotterup emphasized his strategic thinking and effective putting during the round, stating, “I feel like I’m doing things well and thinking through things well, and I think that’s the most important thing.”

Scottie Scheffler’s Struggles

• Scottie Scheffler: 2-over 73
  • Errors: Failed to find his rhythm with uncharacteristic mistakes
  • Notable Shots:
  • Birdie at 13
  • Bogey at 11 after a water hazard
  • Double-bogey at 2 from a tricky bunker lie

Scheffler, a two-time Phoenix champion and recent winner at La Quinta, faced a challenging day on the course. After starting with a birdie, he quickly fell behind with multiple bogeys, including an unnerving double-bogey on the second hole. Despite making birdies on both the 15th and 17th, his frustration peaked with a botched chip on the 18th, impacting his score and mood.

Other Notable Performances

• Matthew Fitzpatrick: 6-under 65
  • Birdies on holes 10, 11, and a streak of five consecutive birdies from the 13th to the 17th.
  • Finished with back-to-back bogeys but still expressed optimism about his overall performance.

Fitzpatrick’s ability to recover after his initial inconsistent play kept him competitive, putting him two strokes behind Gotterup. He acknowledged the disappointment of concluding with two bogeys but maintained a positive outlook, remarking, "If I started bogey-bogey and you finish six-under, you come off feeling like the greatest player in the world."

Other Challengers

In addition to Gotterup and Fitzpatrick, a group of four players trails closely behind at five under, vying for their chance to ascend the leaderboard. Among them, Brooks Koepka—the five-time major champion—had a rough day, finishing at four-over 75 with five bogeys to his name.

Conclusion

As the 2026 Phoenix Open unfolds, all eyes will be on Chris Gotterup as he seeks to extend his lead into the second round. Meanwhile, top players like Scottie Scheffler must regroup and regain their form to stay in contention. The excitement of the tournament is palpable, promising thrilling moments on the greens at TPC Scottsdale.

Stay tuned for more coverage and updates on the Phoenix Open as it progresses!