Scottsdale, Arizona, February 14, 2026
In a thrilling finale at the WM Phoenix Open, Chris Gotterup triumphed over 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama in a sudden-death playoff. The decisive moment unfolded on the first playoff hole, where Gotterup made a crucial 27-foot birdie putt. With a final round score of 7-under 64, Gotterup’s impressive performance led him to a total score of 16-under 268, forcing the playoff against Matsuyama, who struggled in the end. This win marks Gotterup’s second title of the 2026 PGA Tour season.
Scottsdale, Arizona – Gotterup Tops Masters Champ in Playoff to Win Phoenix Open
Chris Gotterup secured a dramatic victory at the WM Phoenix Open last Sunday, overcoming 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama in a sudden-death playoff. This win marks Gotterup’s second PGA Tour title of the 2026 season.
Playoff Drama at TPC Scottsdale
The decisive moment came on the first playoff hole (the 18th hole), where Gotterup sank a clutch 27-foot birdie putt to claim the championship. Matsuyama, a formidable competitor and two-time winner of the Phoenix Open, encountered difficulty in the playoff, pulling his tee shot into the water.
Gotterup’s path to the playoff was paved by an impressive final round, where he posted a 7-under 64, including five birdies in his final six holes of regulation play. He rallied significantly, climbing 10 spots on the leaderboard. This strong finish brought Gotterup to a tournament total of 16-under 268, matching Matsuyama’s score and forcing the playoff. Matsuyama, who had led by one stroke entering the 18th hole in regulation, bogeyed the hole after battling a wayward driver throughout the day, which ultimately cost him his lead and forced the playoff.
Gotterup’s Rising Career
This victory at the WM Phoenix Open follows Gotterup’s earlier success this season at the Sony Open in Hawaii. These consecutive wins bring his career PGA Tour victories to four. His recent performances also ensure Gotterup will have a full PGA Tour card in 2027.
Matsuyama, a celebrated figure in golf, is widely recognized as the 2021 Masters Champion and has a history of triumphing at the Phoenix Open in 2016 and 2017. He previously held an impressive record of converting 54-hole leads into wins, a streak that was broken by Gotterup’s playoff victory.
The prize money for the WM Phoenix Open totaled $9.6 million, with Gotterup earning a winner’s share of $1,728,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event did Chris Gotterup win?
Chris Gotterup clinched a significant victory at the WM Phoenix Open.
Who did Chris Gotterup defeat in the playoff?
Chris Gotterup defeated 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama in a sudden-death playoff.
What was the decisive moment in the playoff?
The decisive moment occurred on the first playoff hole, where Gotterup sank a crucial 27-foot birdie putt to secure the title.
How many PGA Tour wins does Chris Gotterup have this season?
This triumph marks Gotterup’s second PGA Tour title of the 2026 season.
What other tournament did Chris Gotterup win this season?
Gotterup also won the season-opening Sony Open in Hawaii.
What was the prize money for Chris Gotterup’s win at the WM Phoenix Open?
The prize money for the WM Phoenix Open totaled $9.6 million, with Gotterup earning a winner’s share of $1,728,000.
Key Features of Chris Gotterup’s WM Phoenix Open Victory
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Winner | Chris Gotterup |
| Runner-up (Playoff) | Hideki Matsuyama |
| Tournament Score (Regulation) | 16-under 268 |
| Playoff Deciding Shot | 27-foot birdie putt |
| Gotterup’s Final Round Score | 7-under 64 |
| Total PGA Tour Wins (Career) | Four |
| PGA Tour Wins (2026 Season) | Two (including Sony Open in Hawaii) |
| Winner’s Share of Purse | $1,728,000 |
| Total Purse | $9.6 million |
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