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WM Phoenix Open

GOTTERUP OUTLASTS MATSUYAMA IN ELECTRIC WM PHOENIX OPEN FINISH

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Another year, another playoff at TPC Scottsdale.

Seven of the last 11 WM Phoenix Opens have gone to extra holes, and Sunday delivered the drama once again as Chris Gotterup emerged as the 2026 WM Phoenix Open Champion, outlasting two-time winner Hideki Matsuyama in a finish that felt tailor-made for “The People’s Open.”

Gotterup was electric all day. Nine birdies in regulation, then one more for the ages – a birdie bomb on the first playoff hole that sealed it. One putt. One moment. A champion crowned.

Matsuyama battled through a tense final round while struggling to find the fairway, and a costly bogey on 18 opened the door for Gotterup, who was waiting in the clubhouse at 16-under par. The playoff was set.

On the first extra hole, Gotterup launched a drive down the fairway while Matsuyama found the water left. After the drop, Matsuyama hit safely to the middle of the green, but the momentum had shifted. Gotterup stepped up and buried his 27’ 3” birdie putt to secure his fourth PGA TOUR victory in unforgettable fashion.

And as the week comes to a close, this moment belongs to more than just the champion.

On behalf of The Thunderbirds, thank you.

Thank you to the more than 3,500 volunteers who are the heart and soul of this tournament – the first ones on site, the last ones to leave, and the reason the WM Phoenix Open runs the way it does. You don’t just help put on an event – you create an atmosphere, a tradition, and a week that the entire golf world looks forward to every single year.

Thank you to WM, the best title sponsor in sports, and a partner whose leadership goes far beyond the leaderboard. Their commitment to sustainability is what makes this tournament the “Greatest – and Greenest – Show on Grass,” and the largest Zero-Waste sporting event in the world. The impact reaches far beyond tournament week and continues to shape what’s possible in sports.

And most of all, thank you to the fans.

The greatest fans in golf. The ones who bring the noise, the energy, the respect, and the unmistakable spirit that makes this tournament unlike anything else on the PGA TOUR. You showed up and showed out all week long, and you reminded everyone why this will always be “The People’s Open.”

We’ll see you back at TPC Scottsdale next year for the 92nd edition of the WM Phoenix Open.

SATURDAY AT THE WM PHOENIX OPEN – MATSUYAMA LEADS, SUNDAY SET FOR A CLASSIC

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WM PHOENIX OPEN
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Scottsdale delivered another unforgettable day on Saturday, as the WM Phoenix Open continued to showcase why it’s one of the most electric stops on the PGA TOUR.

After three rounds of tight scoring and packed crowds, Hideki Matsuyama finds himself in the lead following the third round, firing a 3-under 68 to sit atop the leaderboard at 13-under. Matsuyama’s round was a study in patience and power – the front nine saw him trading shots with the course, but it was on the back where he found his rhythm, steadying his footing and taking control when it mattered most.

Already a two-time WM Phoenix Open champion, Matsuyama will tee it up in Sunday’s final group with a genuine chance to become just the fourth player in tournament history to win three titles at TPC Scottsdale – a testament to his affinity for this course and his ability to thrive in this electric environment.

But this isn’t a one-man story. Four players sit just one shot back, and another four are only two shots off the pace. With so many names in position as the week nears its peak, Sunday looks destined to be a true showdown, where every shot and every gallery reaction could tilt the title chase.

Saturday morning once again belonged to the Breakfast Club – the fans who treat the WM Phoenix Open like an annual pilgrimage. Before the day even really began, the early risers were already there, bringing that unmistakable buzz that only this tournament can create. It’s one of those traditions that doesn’t need explaining – just a crowd full of people who wouldn’t miss it, setting the tone with energy, anticipation, and the kind of community spirit that makes “The People’s Open” feel bigger than golf.

And then there was GREENOUT Day – a spectacle unlike any other in golf. All day long, fans showed up wearing green, painting TPC Scottsdale with one of the most vibrant fan canvases in sports. It wasn’t just about color. It was about community, unity, and the shared commitment to sustainability that defines “The People’s Open.” From the stands to the fairways, the message was unmistakable – this tournament is a celebration, not just of golf, but of the people who make it great.

As the sun set on another Saturday at the WM Phoenix Open, the stage is ready. A historic champion in front, a tight leaderboard behind him, and a Sunday that promises drama, noise, and the kind of finish only this place can deliver.

ALL EYES ON SATURDAY – HISATSUNE LEADS, GREENOUT NEXT

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WM PHOENIX OPEN
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Friday at TPC Scottsdale brought the second round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open into full focus, with scoring runs, packed leaderboards, and the Stadium Course doing exactly what it does best – rewarding aggressive play and keeping the energy high heading into the weekend.

Ryo Hisatsune holds the lead at 11-under after delivering one of the rounds of the tournament, an 8-under 63 powered by a blistering back nine. Hisatsune posted a 30 coming home, including a stretch from holes 13 through 17 played in 6-under par, tying the WM Phoenix Open record for the longest birdie/eagle streak.

Two-time WM Phoenix Open champion Hideki Matsuyama sits one shot back at 10-under, finishing his round with a surge of his own. Matsuyama closed with six consecutive birdies on the back nine, reminding everyone why he’s been one of the most consistent forces at TPC Scottsdale over the years.

Pierceson Coody and Chris Gotterup are tied for third at 8-under, while the leaderboard remains crowded just behind them, with five players tied for fifth at 7-under as the tournament heads toward a wide-open weekend.

And as the week rolls forward, the message for fans is simple – get here early, get here loud, and plan accordingly. To those early risers and worm getters, to our favorite morning people who are healthy, wealthy and wise, and of course, to the esteemed and honorable members of the Breakfast Club, your annual meeting is once again called at the Main Entrance on Bell. The Hayden entrance will remain closed until 7:15 a.m. both Friday and Saturday, so arrive with time, patience, and maybe a little extra coffee.

Because Saturday is coming fast, and Saturday is GREENOUT Day. Wear green. Bring the energy. This is the day the course turns into a sea of color, the crowds hit another gear, and “The People’s Open” becomes exactly what it’s famous for – the loudest, proudest, most electric stage in golf.

GREENOUT DAY AT THE WM PHOENIX OPEN – SUSTAINABILITY IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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WM PHOENIX OPEN NEWS INFO

At the WM Phoenix Open, going green isn’t just something we say – it’s something we do. Known around the world as both “The People’s Open” and the “Greenest Show on Grass,” this tournament has built a legacy of sustainability that matches its reputation for electric energy and unforgettable crowds.

Every year, the WM Phoenix Open operates as one of the largest zero-waste sporting events on the planet, diverting nearly all tournament materials away from landfills through recycling, composting, and donation programs. From visible recycling and composting efforts to behind-the-scenes sustainability operations, the goal is simple –  minimize the tournament’s footprint.

That commitment comes to life in a big way on Saturday with GREENOUT Day – one of tournament week’s most iconic traditions.

Yes, GREENOUT is fun. It’s a sea of fans dressed head-to-toe in green. It’s a statement. It’s a vibe. But it’s also much more than that.

GREENOUT Day represents the WM Phoenix Open’s belief that sustainability should be something everyone can be part of – not just a behind-the-scenes effort, but a visible community movement. When fans show up in green, they’re joining a day dedicated to environmental awareness, charitable impact, and the future of Arizona.

In recent years, the WM Phoenix Open and The Thunderbirds have tied GREENOUT directly to meaningful action through the WM Phoenix Open Working For Tomorrow Fund, supporting sustainability-focused charities and initiatives across the state. It’s one more way this tournament turns tradition into tangible impact.

And throughout the day, fans will see sustainability in action everywhere – from zero-waste operations to activations that highlight responsible resource use, community partnerships, and the ongoing work that makes “The Greenest Show on Grass” more than just a nickname.

At the WM Phoenix Open, the energy is real. The crowds are loud. The moments are unforgettable. And on GREENOUT Day, the impact goes beyond the ropes.

So this Saturday, wear green. Be part of the tradition. Be part of the movement.

Because at “The People’s Open,” GREENOUT isn’t just a color – it’s a commitment.

FIRST TEE COURSE REPORTER MASON – THE UNSUNG WORKFORCE OF THE WM PHOENIX OPEN

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WM PHOENIX OPEN
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The WM Phoenix Open is known for its vibrant atmosphere, hosting record-breaking amounts of fans over the course of the week; all of these factors contribution to the tournament winning the 2025 PGA TOUR Event of the Year award. But where did the success of the Phoenix Open begin? What does it take to win this prestigious award? It takes a community to be the best, and there’s more than what meets the eye behind the scenes of how the “People’s Open” works.

Each person in the Phoenix Open’s community has a different purpose and goal to keep the tournament running smoothly, from volunteers keeping score, to officers and others protecting the people and the environment, and Thunderbirds overseeing the money donated to charities.

Frank Kohler, the Chairman of the Marshals and a Thunderbird, is a vital asset to the volunteering community. Starting his daily preparation in August, he manages over a thousand people around the 18-hole vicinity, making sure that everything is covered by a volunteer. Each day, he regulates volunteers around the gates, shoots, the traffic control, and the quiet moments during a player’s shot.

While the volunteers keep everything running smoothly on the ground, the officers work inside and outside of the site ensuring everyone’s safety. Aaron Bolin, one of the public information officers for the Scottsdale Police Department, describes the police radio system they use to communicate with one another. Bolin states, “But here we have access to that keypad, we go on that keypad, we all go to basically the same sort of mutual talk group, we can all hear each other”. If there is any disturbance anywhere around the course, the officers communicate with each other and get to the issue in a quick time.

WM is the title sponsor of the Phoenix Open, contributing to making it the world’s largest zero-waste sporting event. Adrienne Fors and Anne Spitza, members of the Green Team, “talk trash” to educate people about how to recycle and the importance of doing it. Their impact reaches people all around the country, promoting a healthy environment for future generations.

The Thunderbirds have been a sponsor for the People’s Open for 87 years and running. The big Chief Matt Mooney is the president of the Thunderbird organization, but he also oversees all the money raised for charity from the tournament. Last year, there were $18.1 million dollars donated to charities.

This tournament is more than just golf; it’s a community supporting each and every one of the numerous fans attending. Every person that helps run the Phoenix Open has a different role, and each role is just as important as the others to sustain the amazing reputation the WM Phoenix Open holds.

FIRST TEE COURSE REPORTER – THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PEOPLE’S OPEN

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WM PHOENIX OPEN
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The WM Phoenix Open is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of fans every year. The people’s open is recognized around the world as the most highly attended golf tournament in America, even winning event of the year by the PGA in 2025. But what does it take to put on an event of this size together? The answer comes down to one word: people.

The volunteers at this event are nothing short of the backbone of the entire operation. Hundreds of everyday people sacrifice their time to make sure that fans and players can have the best experience possible. Whether it be the people moving the ropes so players can move through crowds, or holding up signs to bring fans to silence. When asked why they do what they do, their answers seem to follow a theme of community.

Many of the volunteers at the Phoenix Open are not new to their work. Frank Kohler, volunteer coordinator of the event, has dedicated countless hours to his work over the course of 35 years. Nan Curran, member of the walking scorers committee, has been volunteering for 25 years. These are only a few examples of the many long standing volunteers who have watched the event grow together.

These people are the reason viewers at home can stay up to date with details as specific as how far a shot went and what club the players hit. Walking scorers are required to give their undivided attention to every shot in order to pass on accurate information to shotlink, a system used by the PGA to track  every shot in real time. Volunteers like these are often overlooked despite what they contribute to every fan’s experience.

Police and fire also take on a huge responsibility when it comes to ensuring the safety of every attendee. As Public Information Officer Aaron Bowlan said, the police are there to not only check what’s coming into the course, but also control crowds, direct traffic, and respond to medical emergencies. He added that he wants people to enjoy the event but encourages them to do so safely. Ten different cities must dedicate some of their officers just to meet the event’s needs while also juggling the safety of their home stations.

Despite their different backgrounds, every team is able to come together when it counts and make the Phoenix Open a safe and enjoyable environment. Officers and paramedics are constantly trying to find flaws in their system and improve them for the following year. Officer Bowlan stated that planning begins a year in advance as even during the event they are already looking to the future. The teamwork these groups are able to demonstrate is essential to the success and safety of the Phoenix Open.

WM would not be able to send the message that it does without the efforts of people like Adrienne Fors and Anne Spitza. They work throughout the day to bring smiles to the faces of passersby while teaching them the importance of protecting our environment and recycling as often as possible. They spoke of numerous families who learned how to recycle, later going on to recycle in their own home. Their contributions are a huge reason why this event is able to produce zero waste year after year.

The WM Phoenix open represents more than just a golf tournament. It’s an opportunity for hundreds of people to work together and achieve something seemingly impossible.