Chris Gotterup Takes Commanding Lead at Phoenix Open with Flawless Round
American golfer Chris Gotterup delivered a masterful performance at the Phoenix Open, shooting a bogey-free eight-under-par 63 to seize a two-shot lead after the opening round on Thursday, February 6, 2026 (Philippine time). In stark contrast, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler endured a rare off day, posting a two-over 73 that threatens his impressive streak of 65 consecutive made cuts on the PGA Tour.
Gotterup's Dominant Start and Crowd Energy
Gotterup, who is riding high after winning the season-opening Sony Open in Hawaii with a final-round 64, showcased his current form at TPC Scottsdale. Despite missing the cut in his two previous appearances at this venue, the 26-year-old appeared completely at ease during his opening round. He ignited his round with a spectacular 27-foot eagle putt from just off the green on the par-5 13th hole, setting the tone for a memorable day.
Capitalizing on the electric atmosphere, Gotterup fed off the energetic crowd at the stadium-style par-3 16th, sinking a seven-foot putt for his third consecutive birdie. He added another birdie on the 18th to make the turn at an impressive six-under 30. Later, he birdied the par-5 third hole with a two-putt and drained a 26-foot birdie putt on the long par-3 seventh, matching the opening-round 63 he shot earlier this season in Hawaii.
Scheffler's Frustrating Day and Cut Streak in Peril
Scheffler, who entered the tournament in top form with 33 consecutive rounds under par and seeking his third straight PGA Tour victory, uncharacteristically struggled. Fresh off his win at The American Express two weeks ago, the four-time Player of the Year showed visible frustration when his chip shot on the par-4 18th rolled back to his feet. He repeated this mistake on the par-4 eighth, leading to another bogey and contributing to his 73.
Finishing 10 shots behind Gotterup, Scheffler is now in danger of missing a cut for the first time since the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship. After his round, he headed straight to the driving range, hoping to rediscover his form ahead of the second round to preserve the PGA Tour's longest active made-cut streak.
Notable Performances and Tournament Highlights
England's Matt Fitzpatrick matched the tournament back-nine record with a 29 on his way to a 65, according to the Associated Press. He opened his round with birdies on Nos. 10 and 11 before catching fire with five straight birdies starting on No. 13, shooting 7-under on the back nine to tie a record shared by seven others. Fitzpatrick added another birdie on the par-5 third but stumbled late with two closing bogeys.
Sam Stevens was part of a four-way tie at 66, while 26 players posted scores of 68 or better before play was suspended due to darkness. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka also had a difficult day, managing just one birdie in a 75 during his second tournament since being reinstated by the PGA Tour.
Gotterup's strong start positions him as a formidable contender, building on his recent success that includes three wins in three PGA Tour seasons and a tie for 18th at Torrey Pines last week. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether he can maintain his lead and if Scheffler can mount a comeback to save his historic cut streak.
