Dramatic Conclusion at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open

News Summary

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open concluded with a thrilling finish as Chris Gotterup triumphed in a playoff over Hideki Matsuyama. The event at TPC Scottsdale brought large crowds and excitement, but also faced challenges with increased arrests and safety concerns. Alongside exciting golf, the tournament raised significant funds for charities, adding to its legacy. The thrilling finale crowned Gotterup, who secured a $1.7 million prize, while Matsuyama took home $1 million as runner-up.

Breathtaking Finale at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open

The excitement was palpable as the 2026 WM Phoenix Open wrapped up in a stunning showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. Held at the picturesque TPC Scottsdale, the tournament concluded on February 8 and was nothing short of spectacular. With huge crowds flocking to the event, the atmosphere was electric, a vibrant mix of golf enthusiasts and casual fans all sharing in the camaraderie that this annual tournament brings.

A Tight Race to the Finish

As the final round got underway, all eyes were on Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time WM Phoenix Open champion, who started with a slender one-shot lead. Everything seemed to be going according to plan until he faced the pressure on the 18th hole. Needing just a par to secure his win, Matsuyama faltered, bogeying the hole after a series of mistakes that included a wayward tee shot and a troublesome bunker escape. In the end, he finished with a total score of 16 under par, which tied him with up-and-coming star Chris Gotterup.

Chris Gotterup Takes Charge

Rounding off the day with spectacular flair, Gotterup shot an impressive final-round 64. His performance was nothing short of magical, featuring five birdies in just the last six holes—what a way to make a statement! As the tension built, it was clear that we were headed for a nail-biting playoff to determine the champion.

Decisive Playoff Action

The stage was set for drama as the playoff began—only one hole was necessary to crown a victor. And in a breathtaking moment, Gotterup nailed a 27-foot birdie putt to seal the deal. Matsuyama’s tee shot in the playoff unfortunately took a dive into the water, mimicking the earlier mishaps that had haunted him throughout the day. With a remarkable show of skill and composure, Gotterup walked away victorious, pocketing a staggering $1.7 million for his efforts, while Matsuyama still took home a hefty $1 million for finishing as the runner-up.

Money Matters

Not everyone left empty-handed! The competition stirred up some great earnings, with the third-place finishers, including Nicolai Højgaard, Michael Thorbjornsen, Si Woo Kim, Akshay Bhatia, and Scottie Scheffler, each taking home $439,680. It was truly a rewarding day for many!

More Than Just Golf

Beyond the thrilling rounds of golf, the tournament serves a larger mission. The Thunderbirds, the organizing body behind the event, have raised an astonishing $226 million for charities across Arizona over the years, making this event a beacon of goodwill as well as sporting excellence.

Security and Safety Concerns