In a stunning display of skill, Chris Gotterup has surged ahead by two strokes after an impressive round of 63 at the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open, held in Scottsdale, Arizona. This performance not only showcases his growing mastery of the TPC Scottsdale course but also positions him for a much-anticipated Saturday at this prestigious event.
Meanwhile, the current top player, Scottie Scheffler, faces an uphill battle. If he hopes to remain competitive through the weekend, he will need to significantly improve his performance in the upcoming round.
Gotterup achieved a remarkable bogey-free score of 8-under 63 during the first round, capitalizing on a day when Scheffler faced unexpected challenges. "I can’t say the course has changed much since my last outings here," Gotterup remarked, reflecting on his two previous attempts at TPC Scottsdale where he did not make the cut. "I just feel like I’m hitting the ball better and managing my game more effectively. On our flight back from TGL, I thought to myself, ‘I really want to experience Saturday at this tournament this week.’"
His aspirations will be realized, especially given the warm, sunny weather that contributed to long drives and low scores across the board. Notably, England's Matt Fitzpatrick matched the record for the back nine with a stellar score of 29, finishing with a total of 65. Additionally, Sam Stevens was part of a group of four players who scored 66, while an impressive 26 players shot 68 or lower before play was halted due to fading light.
Unfortunately for Scheffler, he was not among those who found their rhythm. The four-time player of the year struggled with two unfortunate chip shots that rolled back to him, leading to a disappointing 2-over 73. This performance puts his remarkable streak of 65 consecutive cuts at risk. Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, also faced difficulties, managing only one birdie during his round of 75, marking his second tournament since his reinstatement by the PGA Tour.
At just 26 years old, Gotterup has already made a name for himself, having shot a final-round 64 at the season-opening Sony Open in Oahu earlier this year, which accounted for his third victory in three seasons on the PGA Tour. Last week, he tied for 18th place at Torrey Pines, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
His strong performance on Thursday was ignited by a stunning 27-foot eagle putt from just off the green on the par-5 13th hole. The electrifying atmosphere at the iconic stadium-style par-3 16th spurred him on as he sank a 7-foot birdie putt for his third consecutive birdie, concluding the front nine with an impressive score of 6-under 30.
Gotterup continued his momentum with a two-putt birdie on the par-5 third hole, followed by a 26-foot birdie on the lengthy par-3 seventh, matching his opening score of 63 from Hawaii. "I feel like I’m doing a lot of things right, and my thought process is solid, which I believe is crucial," he stated. "While I wouldn’t say I drove the ball perfectly today, my putting was outstanding."
Fitzpatrick started strong, nailing birdies on the 10th and 11th holes before hitting a rough patch, suffering through five consecutive bogeys beginning on the 13th hole. Despite closing with two bogeys, he managed to tie the back-nine record with a score of 7 under, and added another birdie on the par-5 third hole. The reigning U.S. Open champion has yet to secure a win since his triumph at the 2023 RBC Heritage in Hilton Head.
Reflecting on his performance, Fitzpatrick commented, "If someone had offered me a score of 6 under to start the day while I stayed in bed, I would have taken that deal without hesitation. I’m in a good position right now, and I’m hopeful I can build on it."
As the tournament unfolds, it will be fascinating to see whether Gotterup can maintain his lead amidst fierce competition and whether Scheffler can regain his form. What are your thoughts on the pressures these players face? Do you think Gotterup can hold onto his lead, or will Scheffler bounce back? Share your opinions in the comments below!
