Chris Gotterup Seizes Lead with Bogey-Free 63 at WM Phoenix Open

Chris Gotterup carded a flawless bogey-free 8-under 63 on Thursday to seize a two-shot lead after the first round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale. The 25-year-old American has emerged as one of the PGA Tour's hottest players to start the year, extending his remarkable streak to nine consecutive rounds under par across three tournaments. This stellar opening round marks Gotterup's first 18-hole lead or co-lead on the PGA Tour in his 71st career start, representing a significant milestone in his developing professional career.

Gotterup's 63 tied his second-lowest round on Tour, just two strokes shy of the 61 he posted at the 2025 Scottish Genesis Open. His bogey-free performance showcased exceptional ball-striking and putting under the intense atmosphere of the Phoenix Open, known for drawing the largest and rowdiest crowds on the PGA Tour calendar. The third-year Tour member demonstrated remarkable composure navigating TPC Scottsdale's challenging layout, particularly the famous par-3 16th hole where thousands of fans create a stadium-like environment.

Trailing Gotterup by two shots is England's Matt Fitzpatrick, who posted a 6-under 65 to sit alone in second place. Five players share third place at 5-under 66, including Michael Thorbjornsen, Nicolai Højgaard, Pierceson Coody, and Sam Stevens. Notably absent from the top of the leaderboard was world number one Scottie Scheffler, who cooled off after his recent dominance and failed to match the tournament leaders' scoring pace.

Gotterup's transformation into a consistent contender represents one of the compelling storylines of the early 2026 PGA Tour season. The Rutgers University product has retooled his game during the offseason, focusing on improved consistency and course management. His nine consecutive under-par rounds to start the year demonstrate newfound maturity and confidence, traits that have elevated him from Tour journeyman to legitimate threat at signature events like the Phoenix Open.

The WM Phoenix Open continues through the weekend, with Round 2 underway on February 7. The tournament serves as the PGA Tour's biggest party of the season, attracting over 700,000 fans throughout the week to witness golf's most electric atmosphere. For Gotterup, maintaining his lead through the weekend would represent a career-defining breakthrough and his first PGA Tour victory.

The 2026 PGA Tour season has featured several significant storylines, including the return of LIV Golf stars Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed to PGA Tour competition. Koepka, a two-time Phoenix Open champion, is making his second start of the season after spending recent years with the rival circuit. However, it is the emergence of players like Gotterup that has captured golf fans' attention, proving that opportunity exists for hungry young professionals willing to put in the work to compete against the sport's established elite.