The desert air crackled with anticipation as the WM Phoenix Open returned to TPC Scottsdale on February 5, 2026, for its highly anticipated opening round. Known as "The Greatest Show on Grass," this tournament consistently delivers drama, and Thursday's action proved no exception. While pre-tournament favorite Scottie Scheffler faltered, a new star emerged in Chris Gotterup, who carded a spectacular 8-under 63 to seize the early lead.
Gotterup's performance was nothing short of masterful. Starting his round on the back nine, the young pro immediately ignited his scorecard with an eagle on the par-5 14th hole, setting the tone for what would become a career-defining day. He followed with birdies on the 15th and 16th holes—the latter being the tournament's infamous stadium hole where fans roar with collegiate intensity. His momentum never wavered as he added another birdie on the 18th to make the turn at 4-under.
The front nine brought more of the same precision. Gotterup birdied the 3rd and 7th holes, navigating TPC Scottsdale's challenging layout without a single bogey. His clean card represented not just technical excellence but mental fortitude, particularly impressive given the raucous atmosphere that defines this event. When he reached the iconic 16th hole, he didn't just survive the experience—he embraced it fully, throwing his ball into the stands after his birdie, a gesture that instantly endeared him to the thousands of spectators.
"Even if you hate it, you have to embrace it. They're on top of you," Gotterup reflected after his round. "There is no way to escape it, so you have to embrace it. It's a cool atmosphere. It's something we get once a year. To make a birdie on that hole to get the crowd going... it was a lot of fun."
His 63 gave him a two-stroke advantage over England's Matt Fitzpatrick, who posted a solid 6-under 65. Fitzpatrick's round was cruising along beautifully until a late hiccup on the 8th hole (his 17th of the day) where he carded a bogey, briefly opening the door for Gotterup to pass him on the leaderboard. Despite that minor setback, Fitzpatrick's position as the primary challenger is well-earned, and his ball-striking precision will make him a formidable contender as the tournament progresses.
While Gotterup soared, the golfing world watched in disbelief as Scottie Scheffler, a two-time Phoenix Open champion and the consensus favorite, stumbled to a shocking 2-over 73. The world number one's round began with promise but quickly unraveled. A double bogey, combined with five bogeys against just five birdies, left him ten strokes behind Gotterup and facing an uphill battle to remain competitive.
Scheffler's struggles were particularly surprising given his history at this event and his dominant form throughout the 2025 season. His inability to find any rhythm on the greens proved costly, and the usually unflappable Texan appeared visibly frustrated as the round wore on. The deficit he faces is substantial but not insurmountable in the volatile world of professional golf—though he'll need something special in Friday's second round to claw his way back into contention.
Among other past champions, the results were mixed. Hideki Matsuyama, also a two-time winner of this event, found himself at 3-under through 16 holes, good enough for a tie for 13th place. The Japanese star came tantalizingly close to a hole-in-one on the 7th hole, a moment that had the gallery buzzing. While not in the hunt for the lead, Matsuyama's steady play keeps him well within striking distance heading into the weekend.
Conversely, Brooks Koepka's day was nothing short of disastrous. The four-time major champion, another two-time Phoenix Open victor, carded a 4-over through just 12 holes, bogeying the fourth, seventh, ninth, and 11th holes without a single birdie to his name. Koepka had reportedly switched putters recently to combat ongoing struggles on the greens, but the equipment change yielded no immediate dividends. His frustration was palpable, and his chances of making the cut suddenly hang in the balance.
The tournament also marked the absence of defending champion Thomas Detry, who joined LIV Golf and therefore did not qualify to defend his title. His departure to the Saudi-backed circuit continues to reshape the landscape of professional golf, creating opportunities for players like Gotterup to step into the spotlight.
The WM Phoenix Open's unique atmosphere remained its signature element. The 16th hole, a par-3 completely enclosed by grandstands, once again proved to be the tournament's beating heart. Gotterup's birdie there exemplified how players must not only execute shots but also perform for the crowd. The amphitheater setting creates pressure unlike any other venue on the PGA Tour, where silence is replaced by cheers, boos, and chants that would feel more at home at a football stadium than a golf course.
This year's event continues to draw massive crowds, with attendance figures expected to surpass previous records. The tournament's reputation as a party-like atmosphere combined with world-class golf makes it a unique stop on the PGA Tour calendar. Players must balance focus with entertainment, a tightrope walk that Gotterup navigated perfectly on Thursday.
As the sun set over the Arizona desert, the leaderboard told a story of surprises and standout performances. Gotterup's 63 set the pace, but the chasing pack includes major champions and rising stars all capable of mounting a comeback. The cut line remains a distant thought for many, but for players like Koepka and Scheffler, Friday's round takes on added importance.
The WM Phoenix Open has always rewarded aggressive play and punished hesitation. Gotterup's bold approach Thursday positioned him perfectly, but maintaining that lead over three more rounds requires consistency and nerve. With Fitzpatrick lurking two strokes back and Matsuyama poised to make a move, the tournament is far from decided.
What remains certain is that the 2026 edition has already delivered memorable moments. From Gotterup's eagle-birdie burst to Scheffler's shocking struggles, from Matsuyama's near ace to Koepka's putting woes, the narrative threads are rich and varied. The desert setting continues to provide a stunning backdrop for drama, and as the tournament moves into its second round, all eyes will be on whether the leader can maintain his momentum and whether the favorites can mount their comebacks.
The WM Phoenix Open's first round reminded everyone why it's must-see television. The combination of world-class talent, unpredictable outcomes, and an atmosphere unlike any other in golf creates an intoxicating mix. For Chris Gotterup, it's a dream start. For Scottie Scheffler, it's a wake-up call. And for golf fans worldwide, it's the promise of three more days of compelling action from TPC Scottsdale.