Phoenix, Arizona, February 14, 2026
Chris Gotterup has secured his second PGA Tour title of the season with a thrilling victory at the WM Phoenix Open. He outlasted Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff after closing with an impressive 7-under 64. Simultaneously, Patrick Reed’s resurgence on the DP World Tour is making headlines as he climbs back into the top 20 in world rankings. The golf community is also buzzing about the ongoing Pebble Beach Week, now a Signature Event, and the renewed debate on elevating The Players Championship to major status.
Phoenix, Arizona – February 14, 2026
Chris Gotterup’s recent victory at the WM Phoenix Open and Patrick Reed’s dominant performance on the DP World Tour are leading golf discussions as the sport turns its attention to Pebble Beach Week. Meanwhile, the debate regarding whether The Players Championship should be granted major status has intensified, with PGA Tour officials actively fueling the conversation.
Gotterup Claims Dramatic Phoenix Open Victory
Chris Gotterup secured his second PGA Tour title of the 2026 season with a thrilling playoff win at the WM Phoenix Open. Gotterup closed with an impressive 7-under 64 in the final round, carding five birdies in his last six holes to reach 16-under par. He then faced Hideki Matsuyama in a sudden-death playoff, clinching the victory on the first extra hole after Matsuyama found the water with his tee shot. This triumph follows Gotterup’s earlier win at the Sony Open in Hawaii, placing him atop the 2026 PGA Tour Money List and FedEx Cup standings. The WM Phoenix Open drew significant crowds, with estimated seven-day attendance between 500,000 and 800,000 people.
Patrick Reed’s Resurgent Form on the DP World Tour
Patrick Reed is demonstrating exceptional form, having won two of his three starts on the DP World Tour this year. His victories include the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Qatar Masters, alongside a runner-up finish at the Bahrain Championship after a playoff. This strong showing has propelled Reed back into the Official World Golf Ranking’s top 20, reaching No. 17 for the first time in nearly five years. Reed’s outstanding play positions him to secure one of the 10 PGA Tour cards allocated to top DP World Tour players, potentially marking his return to the PGA Tour for the 2027 season. He recently announced his departure from LIV Golf, focusing his efforts on the DP World Tour.
Pebble Beach Week Underway as a Signature Event
The golf world’s attention has shifted to the iconic Monterey Peninsula for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, running from February 12-15, 2026. This year, the event has been elevated to a PGA Tour Signature Event, featuring a field of 80 of the world’s top players. The tournament, which includes both professionals and amateurs, is played across Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course. Noteworthy players in the field include defending champion Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Chris Gotterup, Tommy Fleetwood, and Scottie Scheffler. Proceeds from the tournament benefit charities across Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
The Players Championship: A Major Debate Reignited
The long-standing discussion about elevating The Players Championship to major status has been reignited, fueled by the PGA Tour’s provocative new promotional campaign using the tagline “March is going to be major”. Lee Smith, Executive Director of The Players, stated on February 12 that this advertisement was intentionally designed to spark debate and signal the Tour’s confidence in the tournament’s qualifications. While some, like analyst Brandel Chamblee, contend that The Players already possesses major-level fields and difficulty, others, including two-time winner Rory McIlroy, maintain a traditional view, asserting that the event “doesn’t need to be anything else” and holds its own distinct identity. Despite its recognized importance as the PGA Tour’s flagship event, it is often considered the “next best thing” after golf’s four established majors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the latest golf news regarding Chris Gotterup?
- Chris Gotterup recently won the WM Phoenix Open in a playoff on February 8th or 9th, 2026, marking his second PGA Tour victory of the 2026 season.
- How did Chris Gotterup win the WM Phoenix Open?
- He shot a 7-under 64 in the final round, including five birdies in his last six holes, to reach 16-under par and then defeated Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff on the first extra hole with a birdie.
- What is Patrick Reed’s current form?
- Patrick Reed has shown remarkable form in early 2026, winning two of his three starts on the DP World Tour, including the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Qatar Masters.
- What is the significance of Patrick Reed’s recent performance?
- His strong play has moved him back into the Official World Golf Ranking’s top 20 (to No. 17) and is expected to secure him a PGA Tour card for the 2027 season.
- What is happening during Pebble Beach Week?
- Pebble Beach Week is currently hosting the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 12-15, 2026, which is designated as a PGA Tour Signature Event featuring top professionals and amateurs.
- What is the debate surrounding The Players Championship?
- There is an ongoing debate about whether The Players Championship should be considered a major, with the PGA Tour actively promoting the discussion through a “March is going to be major” campaign.
- Who are some notable figures in the Players Championship major debate?
- Lee Smith, Executive Director of The Players, supports the debate, while analysts like Brandel Chamblee believe it’s already a major. Two-time winner Rory McIlroy, however, upholds the traditional view of four majors.
Key Features in Recent Golf News
| Topic | Key Information | Impact/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Gotterup’s WM Phoenix Open Win | Second PGA Tour victory of 2026 season. Won in a playoff against Hideki Matsuyama. Final round score of 7-under 64. | Currently leads the 2026 PGA Tour Money List and FedEx Cup standings. Highlights his strong start to the season. |
| Patrick Reed’s DP World Tour Performance | Two wins in three starts on the DP World Tour (Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Qatar Masters). Runner-up at Bahrain Championship. | Climbed to No. 17 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Expected to secure a PGA Tour card for 2027. Signifies a career resurgence. |
| Pebble Beach Pro-Am | Ongoing from February 12-15, 2026. Designated a PGA Tour Signature Event. Features 80 top professionals and amateurs. | Current focal point of the golf calendar. Attracts a strong field and generates significant charitable contributions. |
| The Players Championship as a Major | PGA Tour is promoting the debate with “March is going to be major” tagline. Division among players and analysts on its major status. | An ongoing, prominent discussion shaping the narrative around one of golf’s most prestigious events. Reflects the Tour’s efforts to enhance its flagship event’s standing. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Chris Gotterup Claims Victory at the Phoenix Open
Viral Moment at WM Phoenix Open Captivates Fans
Chris Gotterup Wins the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Chris Gotterup Claims Victory at WM Phoenix Open
Chris Gotterup Wins WM Phoenix Open in Dramatic Playoff
2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open Highlights
Matsuyama Leads Final Round at WM Phoenix Open
Chris Gotterup Triumphs at the WM Phoenix Open
2026 Waste Management Phoenix Open Offers Broad Coverage
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
