Hideki Matsuyama Surges into Contention at WM Phoenix Open After Second Round 64

Hideki Matsuyama delivered a vintage performance on Friday at TPC Scottsdale, firing a second-round 64 to surge into contention at the WM Phoenix Open. The two-time Phoenix Open champion sits at 10-under par heading into the weekend, just one shot behind leader Ryo Hisatsune, who posted a scorching 63 in the afternoon wave to reach 11-under.

Matsuyama's round showcased the precision ball-striking and course management that has made him one of the PGA Tour's most consistent performers. The Japanese star capitalized on the Stadium Course's birdie opportunities while avoiding the costly mistakes that plagued several contenders in the blustery conditions. His familiarity with the course, having won the tournament twice before, was evident as he navigated the raucous 16th hole and challenging closing stretch with composure.

First-round leader Chris Gotterup, who opened with a bogey-free 63 on Thursday, struggled to maintain his momentum on Friday. The 25-year-old American could only manage to tread water, remaining at 8-under par for the tournament alongside Pierceson Coody. Gotterup put too many blemishes on his scorecard in the second round, unable to replicate the magic that saw him seize the opening-round lead by two strokes over Matt Fitzpatrick.

The weekend chase pack features several notable names positioned to make a run at the title. Matt Fitzpatrick, Si Woo Kim, Akshay Bhatia, John Parry, Sahith Theegala, and Jake Knapp are all tied at 7-under par, creating a crowded leaderboard that promises an exciting weekend of golf. The group sitting three shots off the lead includes multiple tour winners and hungry young players seeking breakthrough victories.

World number one Scottie Scheffler showed his championship mettle by bouncing back from an opening-round 73 to shoot 65 on Friday. Scheffler found himself in unfamiliar territory trying to simply make the cut after his Thursday struggles, but the reigning champion's class shone through as he not only secured his weekend tee time but positioned himself at 4-under par to potentially make a charge. His 8-shot improvement between rounds demonstrated the resilience that has made him the world's top-ranked player.

The WM Phoenix Open continues to deliver its signature blend of raucous atmosphere and elite golf, with Saturday's third round set to determine who will carry momentum into Sunday's final round. With the Stadium Course's notorious 16th hole and several drivable par-4s in play, the leaderboard could see significant movement as players navigate the risk-reward opportunities that make this tournament one of the Tour's most entertaining events.