News Summary
Chris Gotterup clinched his second title of the 2026 season at the WM Phoenix Open, defeating Hideki Matsuyama in a thrilling playoff. With a final round of seven-under 64, Gotterup’s impressive performance included critical birdies and strategically selected equipment. This win marks Gotterup’s fourth career PGA Tour victory and positions him atop the FedEx Cup standings. His choice of a Ping G440 LST driver and Bridgestone TOUR B X golf ball played key roles in his success at TPC Scottsdale.
Phoenix – Chris Gotterup secured his second title of the 2026 season and his fourth career PGA Tour victory by winning the WM Phoenix Open in a dramatic playoff against Hideki Matsuyama on February 8, 2026. Gotterup’s victory was notably achieved with a specific selection of equipment, including a 7.5-degree Ping G440 LST driver and a Bridgestone TOUR B X with MindSet golf ball.
Gotterup mounted a remarkable comeback, closing with a seven-under 64 in the final round at TPC Scottsdale. He birdied five of his last six holes in regulation, including a crucial birdie on the 18th, to reach a 16-under-par total. This late surge brought him level with Matsuyama, who, despite leading for much of the day, faced difficulties with his driver on the 18th, leading to a bogey and forcing the playoff. In the sudden-death playoff on the 18th hole, Matsuyama’s tee shot found the water, while Gotterup capitalized by draining a 27-foot birdie putt to seal the win. Gotterup excelled in key statistical categories throughout the tournament, ranking seventh in strokes gained/off the tee, third in strokes gained/approach, and third in strokes gained/around the green.
Gotterup’s Driver and Fairway Woods
At the forefront of Gotterup’s bag was a Ping G440 LST driver set at 7.5 degrees of loft. This driver model is designed for lower spin and features a deep Center of Gravity, which helps maintain a low ball flight without sacrificing performance on off-center strikes. It was fitted with a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 TX shaft, known for its aerospace-grade carbon fiber and stiff profile from handle to tip, which helps manage the high forces of Gotterup’s powerful swing.
Instead of a traditional 3-wood, Gotterup opted for a TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper mini driver with 13.5 degrees of loft. This mini driver, roughly 300cc, offers versatility for both tee shots as a fairway finder and long approaches from over 280 yards on par-5s. It featured a heavier Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 80 TX shaft. Completing his longer clubs was a TaylorMade Qi35 5-wood at 18 degrees, equipped with a Mitsubishi Diamana WB 83 TX shaft.
Irons and Wedges for Precision
Gotterup’s iron set included Bridgestone Tour B 220 MB muscleback irons from 4-iron through 9-iron. These forged irons, made from 1020 Carbon Steel with milled grooves, are cavity-less blades, highlighting Gotterup’s exceptional ball-striking ability. He is noted as the only player on the PGA Tour currently using Bridgestone blades. These irons were paired with KBS C-Taper 130 X shafts, which are heavy and low-launching, designed to control his naturally high ball flight for better green reception.
For his short game, Gotterup carried four TaylorMade MG5 wedges with lofts of 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees. These wedges incorporate Spin Tread technology, which features deep channels between the grooves to efficiently shed moisture from the clubface, a beneficial feature in various playing conditions. His 60-degree wedge utilized a low-bounce grind for superior control on tight lies. All four wedges were fitted with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 Black Onyx shafts, which are deliberately softer than his iron shafts to provide more feedback on partial shots. His putting was handled by a TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter with an L-Neck hosel and a Pure Roll insert, designed to promote immediate forward roll upon contact. This putter also featured a SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol 2.0 grip.
The Winning Golf Ball
A significant component of Gotterup’s success was the Bridgestone TOUR B X with MindSet golf ball. This ball represents the retail version of the “VS Black prototype” he initially put into play, which was the result of Bridgestone’s extensive four-year VS Proto Project involving over 240 prototype variations. The TOUR B X is designed as a firmer and faster option for players with higher swing speeds. It incorporates VeloSurge technology, featuring a redesigned core and mantle integration that shifts mass outward, increasing the ball’s moment of inertia. This technology contributes to increased ball speed and distance, with Gotterup reportedly seeing gains of over two mph in ball speed and approximately seven yards in distance during development testing compared to previous generations. The MindSet visual cue system, also part of the ball, focuses on improving player alignment and focus.
Season’s Momentum Continues
This victory at the WM Phoenix Open marks Gotterup’s second win in just three starts this season, following his earlier triumph at the Sony Open in January 2026. This impressive performance positions him as the first player to achieve multiple PGA Tour victories in the 2026 season and places him at the top of the FedEx Cup standings. The win at TPC Scottsdale earned him $1.728 million, further solidifying his strong start to the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What driver did Chris Gotterup use to win the 2026 WM Phoenix Open?
- Chris Gotterup used a Ping G440 LST driver set at 7.5 degrees of loft, fitted with a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 TX shaft.
- What golf ball did Chris Gotterup use at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open?
- Chris Gotterup used the Bridgestone TOUR B X with MindSet golf ball, which is the retail version of the “VS Black prototype”.
- What irons were in Chris Gotterup’s bag for his WM Phoenix Open win?
- Chris Gotterup used Bridgestone Tour B 220 MB muscleback irons from 4-iron through 9-iron, with KBS C-Taper 130 X shafts.
- Did Chris Gotterup use a traditional 3-wood?
- No, Chris Gotterup used a TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper mini driver with 13.5 degrees of loft instead of a traditional 3-wood.
- What putter did Chris Gotterup use?
- Chris Gotterup used a TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter with an L-Neck hosel.
- How many wins does Chris Gotterup have in the 2026 PGA Tour season?
- Chris Gotterup has two PGA Tour victories in the 2026 season, including the WM Phoenix Open and the Sony Open.
Key Features of Chris Gotterup’s Winning Equipment
| Club Type | Model | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Ping G440 LST | 7.5 degrees loft, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 TX shaft |
| Mini Driver | TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper | 13.5 degrees loft, Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 80 TX shaft |
| 5-Wood | TaylorMade Qi35 | 18 degrees loft, Mitsubishi Diamana WB 83 TX shaft |
| Irons (4-9) | Bridgestone Tour B 220 MB | Muscleback, KBS C-Taper 130 X shafts |
| Wedges | TaylorMade MG5 | 46°, 52°, 56°, 60° lofts, True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 Black Onyx shafts |
| Putter | TaylorMade Spider Tour X | L-Neck hosel, Pure Roll insert, SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol 2.0 grip |
| Golf Ball | Bridgestone TOUR B X with MindSet | Retail version of “VS Black prototype”, VeloSurge technology |
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