Chris Gotterup showcased his skills at TPC Scottsdale, leading with an impressive 8-under 63 in the first round of the Phoenix Open. The 26-year-old performed without a blemish on his scorecard, positioning himself for a shot at experiencing Saturday’s excitement at the tournament. In contrast, top-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler faced challenges, putting his chances of advancing to the weekend in jeopardy.
Gotterup’s Stellar Performance
Gotterup’s round began with a remarkable 27-foot eagle putt on the par-5 13th hole, igniting his momentum. He continued his strong play with a series of birdies, including a crucial 7-footer at the par-3 16th. Ultimately, he turned in a phenomenal 6-under 30 on the front nine.
Key Details of Gotterup’s Round
- Bogey-free 63 (8-under par)
- Eagle on par-5 13th hole
- Birdies on the par-3 16th and par-5 third hole
- Matched his opening 63 from the Sony Open in Hawaii
Reflecting on his performance, Gotterup stated, “I feel like I’m doing things well and thinking through things well.” Despite not feeling his best off the tee, his putting proved exceptional.
Scheffler Struggles on the Course
In sharp contrast to Gotterup’s success, Scheffler had a challenging day on the greens, finishing with a 2-over 73. This round marks a potential end to his streak of 65 consecutive made cuts. Scheffler faced difficulty with his chipping, suffering two setbacks where his shots rolled back to him.
Key Challenges for Scheffler
- Finished at 2-over 73
- Struggled with two chip shots rolling back
- 10 shots back from the leaders
After his round, he immediately went to the practice range, determined to recalibrate for a better performance in the second round. His impressive streak of sub-par rounds faced serious risk if he did not improve.
Other Notable Performances
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick matched the back-nine record with a score of 29, finishing the round with a total of 65. He started strong, making birdies on the 10th and 11th holes, but ended with two bogeys. Despite this, Fitzpatrick remains optimistic about his position, stating he felt good about starting with a solid score.
Additional Scores from Round 1
- Matt Fitzpatrick – 65 (7-under)
- Sam Stevens & others – four players at 66
- 26 players shot 68 or better
As the Phoenix Open continues, Gotterup leads as fans eagerly await the next round. Scheffler, like many others, will need to find his rhythm to remain competitive in this prestigious event.
