Chris Gotterup eyes second win of 2026 as Scottie Scheffler finally cools off in Round 1 of WM Phoenix Open

The wind picked up and conditions toughened as the day progressed in Scottsdale, Arizona

In his third start of the season, Chris Gotterup has his eyes fixed on his second victory of the year. The free-swinging right-hander was flawless Thursday morning at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open as he navigated TPC Scottsdale in bogey-free fashion, signing for an 8-under 63.

Gotterup's effort was good enough to give him a two-shot lead over Matt Fitzpatrick, who similarly reached 8 under before dropping a pair of strokes late in his round. A trio of young, budding stars in Michael Thorbjornsen, Nicolai Hojgaard and Pierceson Coody, along with Sam Stevens, sit one further back at 5 under.

"I think, to start the year, I really felt like I worked hard in the offseason to get ready for the season," Gotterup said. "TGL in the offseason also, just getting used to the adrenaline rush you get inside there and being able to hit shots under pressure has helped me and my game. It's nice to start the year off on a good note."

Gotterup played alongside world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who struggled to a 73, his first round over par since June 2025, and Jordan Spieth, who signed for a 70. Gotterup got things rolling in the middle of the back nine, starting his round on the par-4 10th. He rolled in an eagle putt from off the green on the par-5 13th and followed it with three straight birdie connections from the 6-10 foot range.

Though he failed to get up-and-down short of the par-4 17th for a fifth straight par-breaker, Gotterup made up for it quickly by dialling in a 25-foot birdie bid on No. 18 to turn in 6 under. Moving to the more difficult front nine, Gotterup managed his game well. He took advantage of the lone par 5 (missing a 7-foot eagle putt) and once again summoned a birdie from distance on the par-3 7th for his final birdie of the day.