Get ready for an exciting recap of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open! A thrilling playoff showdown!
The WM Phoenix Open, an annual golf tournament, has delivered yet another dramatic finish. For the fifth time in eight years, the tournament concluded with a nail-biting playoff at TPC Scottsdale. The year 2026 saw a continuation of this thrilling trend, with playoffs occurring in 2026, 2024, 2022, 2020, and 2018. Catch up on all the action from the final round right here.
Chris Gotterup's Historic Victory
Chris Gotterup, with an incredible display of skill and determination, emerged as the champion of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. In a sudden-death playoff against Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, Gotterup birdied five of the last six holes on Sunday, showcasing an exceptional performance. He added another birdie in the playoff, securing his second win of the year. Gotterup's victory can be viewed as a testament to his consistent form, having won two out of the first four events in 2026.
The Playoff Drama Unfolds
In a tense moment during the playoff, Hideki Matsuyama hit a fan in the back, sending his ball into the water. This gave Gotterup a prime opportunity from the fairway to claim his second victory of the year. Matsuyama, however, demonstrated his skill by hitting an incredible shot from a challenging angle, setting up a par putt. Gotterup, not to be outdone, had a birdie look that could have sealed the win. In a dramatic conclusion, Gotterup drained the birdie, securing the championship.
Controversial Moment: Matsuyama's Bogey
But here's where it gets controversial... Hideki Matsuyama, who had been leading, bogeyed the closing 18th hole after his tee shot landed in the church pew bunkers. This led to a playoff between Matsuyama and Chris Gotterup to determine the winner. Matsuyama, with a perfect record of 2-for-2 in previous WM Phoenix Open playoffs, was favored by many. However, Gotterup's exceptional performance in the final round and playoff showcased his ability to rise to the occasion.
The Lead Swings: Matsuyama Retakes Control
With a par on the 17th hole, Hideki Matsuyama regained the lead by one shot heading into the final hole. This set the stage for an intense finish, as Matsuyama aimed to maintain his advantage.
Michael Thorbjornsen's Eagle: Taking the Lead
Michael Thorbjornsen, one of the few contenders without a PGA Tour win, birdied the 13th and eagled the 15th, taking the outright lead with three holes remaining. Thorbjornsen's performance highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament, as he aimed to secure his first PGA Tour victory.
Scottie Scheffler's Powerful Drive
Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, demonstrated his prowess by driving a massive 352 yards on the 18th hole. This impressive display of power and accuracy showcased Scheffler's ability to compete with the best. He signed for a 64, an impressive score considering he played the final 54 holes with just one bogey.
The Back Nine: Matsuyama's Resilience
Heading into the back nine, Hideki Matsuyama, despite not hitting a single fairway on the front nine, still held the lead with nine holes to play. His resilience and skill on the greens kept him in contention, as he remained one shot ahead of Si Woo Kim and Michael Thorbjornsen.
Hideki Matsuyama's Comeback: Retaking the Lead
Hideki Matsuyama, known for his exceptional putting, was on fire with the flat stick. He birdied both par 3s on the front side at TPC Scottsdale, moving into the solo lead with 11 holes remaining. Matsuyama's comeback showcased his ability to bounce back from a rough start and maintain his composure under pressure.
Si Woo Kim's Brief Lead
Si Woo Kim, with a brilliant putt on the first hole for birdie, tied Hideki Matsuyama at 13 under on the leaderboard. However, this lead was short-lived as Matsuyama quickly regained the advantage.
Rickie Fowler's Hot Streak
Rickie Fowler, wearing his signature orange, had a hot streak on Sunday. He holed out from the sand for three straight birdies, moving to 2 under for his round and 7 under overall. Fowler's performance showcased his ability to make an impact and contribute to the excitement of the tournament.
Final Round Tee Times and Groupings
Some of the notable tee times and groupings for the final round included Scottie Scheffler, Kevin Roy, and Stephen Jaeger; Chris Gotterup, Min Woo Lee, and Pierceson Coody; and Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Kristoffer Reitan. These threesomes, along with others, provided an exciting lineup for golf enthusiasts to follow.
Where to Watch and How Much is at Stake
For those eager to catch the action, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ offered a great viewing option. The total purse for the 2026 WM Phoenix Open was $9.6 million, with the winner taking home a substantial $1.728 million. This represented an increase from the previous year's winner, Thomas Detry, who took home $1.656 million.
Three-Time WM Phoenix Open Champions
The WM Phoenix Open has seen its fair share of repeat champions. Four golfers have achieved this feat, including Phil Mickelson, Mark Calcavecchia, Gene Littler, and Arnold Palmer. Mickelson and Calcavecchia, in particular, won all three of their titles at TPC Scottsdale. Hideki Matsuyama, with his impressive performance in 2026, is now in contention to join this elite group of three-time champions.
The Super Bowl Connection
One of the unique traditions associated with the WM Phoenix Open is that its final round takes place on the same day as the Super Bowl. Typically, the final round concludes around 6 p.m. ET, just before the big game kicks off at around 6:30 p.m. ET. This provides sports fans with an exciting lead-in, as they can enjoy the golf tournament and then seamlessly transition to the Super Bowl.
And this is the part most people miss... even with a golf playoff, the tournament can wrap up before the Super Bowl kickoff, ensuring that sports enthusiasts don't have to choose between two thrilling events.
So, who do you think will be the next golfer to join the ranks of three-time WM Phoenix Open champions? Will it be Hideki Matsuyama, or will another golfer claim the title? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
