Chris Gotterup Holds First-Round Lead at WM Phoenix Open as Scottie Scheffler Struggles With Rare Over-Par Round

Chris Gotterup delivered a flawless performance at the iconic TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course on Thursday, carding a bogey-free 8-under 63 to seize a two-shot lead after the first round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. The American's scorching round put him ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick, who reached 8-under before dropping a pair of late strokes to finish at 6-under 65. Michael Thorbjornsen, Nicolai Hojgaard, Pierceson Coody, and Sam Stevens sit one shot further back at 5-under heading into Friday's second round.

Gotterup's opening-round brilliance came amid one of the PGA Tour's most raucous atmospheres, with the famed 16th hole providing its usual cacophony of noise from the stadium-style seating. The 26-year-old demonstrated exceptional control and consistency throughout his round, avoiding any mistakes on a course that can punish even minor errors. His performance marks a continuation of strong early-season form as he looks to secure his first PGA Tour victory at one of the tour's most popular events.

While Gotterup thrived, the tournament favorite had a day to forget. World number one Scottie Scheffler signed for a 2-over 73, marking his first round over par since June 2025—a remarkable stretch of consistent excellence that finally came to an end. Scheffler showed visible frustration when his chip shot at the par-4 18th rolled back to his feet, and he suffered another bogey when the same thing happened on the par-4 eighth hole. The two-time WM Phoenix Open champion finds himself 10 shots back of the lead and in danger of missing a cut for the first time since the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship.

The contrast between Gotterup's steady brilliance and Scheffler's uncharacteristic struggles provided the main storyline from Thursday's action. Scheffler, who entered the week as the heavy betting favorite and a two-time winner of this event, will need a significant turnaround in Friday's second round to extend his weekend at TPC Scottsdale. The defending champion has built his dominance on rarely making mistakes, but the Stadium Course exposed some rare vulnerabilities in his typically impeccable short game.

As the tournament moves into its second round on Friday, Gotterup will play alongside Scheffler and Jordan Spieth, who posted an even-par 71 in the opening round. The trio tees off at 2:55 p.m. local time, with Gotterup looking to maintain his momentum and Scheffler desperate to mount a comeback. The WM Phoenix Open runs through Sunday, February 8, with the champion taking home a significant portion of the tournament's substantial purse. Gotterup's composed opening statement has put him in prime position, but three challenging rounds remain at one of golf's most demanding and entertaining venues.