News Summary
In an impressive finish at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, Chris Gotterup won after a thrilling playoff against Hideki Matsuyama. His stellar performance, particularly with his Ping G440 LST driver, saw him card a 7-under par 64 in the final round, showcasing his dominance on the course. This victory marks Gotterup’s second title of the season and highlights his exceptional driving skills, leading to significant acclaim in the professional golf community.
Scottsdale, Arizona
In a thrilling finish at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Chris Gotterup secured his second victory of the season, prevailing in a playoff against Hideki Matsuyama at TPC Scottsdale. Gotterup’s exceptional performance, particularly with his driver, was a key factor in his triumph, an aspect often highlighted by analyses like the “Tour Tech Rundown”.
Gotterup Dominates with Driver in Phoenix Victory
Gotterup’s final round was a masterclass, carding a 7-under par 64, which included a remarkable five birdies over his last six holes to reach a total of 16-under 268. This late surge forced a playoff against Matsuyama, who had held a one-shot lead heading into the final round but struggled with his tee shots on the closing holes. In the sudden-death playoff on the 18th hole, Matsuyama’s tee shot found the water, opening the door for Gotterup to seal the win with a 27-foot birdie putt, marking his fourth career PGA Tour victory.
The “Tour Tech Rundown” often scrutinizes the equipment choices of tour professionals, and Gotterup’s driver setup has consistently been a point of interest. For his win at the WM Phoenix Open, Gotterup relied on a Ping G440 LST driver. This specific model was set to an aggressive 7.5 degrees of loft, paired with a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 TX shaft. His commanding control and immense power off the tee were evident throughout the tournament. During the WM Phoenix Open, he averaged an impressive 332.6 yards per tee shot. This contributes to his overall season statistics, where he ranks seventh on Tour in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, with an average driving distance of 319.6 yards.
Season Success and Equipment Insights
This victory at the WM Phoenix Open is Gotterup’s second title in the 2026 PGA Tour season, following his earlier triumph at the Sony Open in Hawaii. The consistency in his equipment, particularly his driver, suggests a dialed-in setup that complements his powerful swing. The Ping G440 LST driver is known for its low spin design, which helps keep the ball low and stable, even with high swing speeds. The Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 TX shaft, made of aerospace-grade carbon fiber, is designed to absorb significant force without compromising face angle at impact, a crucial feature for a player with Gotterup’s swing speed.
Beyond his formidable driver, Gotterup’s bag also features a blend of other top-tier equipment. He carries a TaylorMade BRNR Mini Copper mini driver set at 13.5 degrees, offering a versatile option for various tee shots. His iron set includes Bridgestone Tour B 220 MB (4-9) irons, known for their compact muscleback design, and he is one of the few players on Tour to use this specific model. His wedge setup consists of TaylorMade MG5 wedges (46, 52, 56, 60 degrees). On the greens, Gotterup opts for a TaylorMade Spider X Tour putter with a SuperStroke Zenergy Pistol 2.0 grip. Completing his bag is a prototype Bridgestone Tour B X “MindSet” golf ball, which is the 2026 model, developed after extensive testing to provide increased ball speed.
Gotterup’s Rising Career Trajectory
Gotterup, who turned professional in 2022 after winning the Jack Nicklaus Award as a top college golfer, has steadily climbed the ranks of professional golf. His recent successes, including victories in 2024 and 2025, highlight his evolving game from a pure power hitter to a more well-rounded competitor. His composure under pressure, particularly evident in his final-round play at the WM Phoenix Open and his prior win at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, signals his growing confidence and potential for future major victories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What tournament did Chris Gotterup win recently?
Chris Gotterup recently won the 2026 WM Phoenix Open on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
What driver does Chris Gotterup use?
Chris Gotterup uses a Ping G440 LST driver.
What are the specifications of Chris Gotterup’s driver?
His driver is set to 7.5 degrees of loft and features a Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 TX shaft.
How far does Chris Gotterup typically drive the ball?
During the WM Phoenix Open, Chris Gotterup averaged 332.6 yards per tee shot. He ranks seventh on Tour in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, with an average driving distance of 319.6 yards.
How many PGA Tour wins does Chris Gotterup have in the 2026 season?
Chris Gotterup has two PGA Tour wins in the 2026 season: the WM Phoenix Open and the Sony Open in Hawaii.
Key Features of Chris Gotterup’s Driver
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driver Model | Ping G440 LST |
| Loft Setting | 7.5 degrees |
| Shaft | Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 70 TX |
| Average Driving Distance (WM Phoenix Open) | 332.6 yards per tee shot |
| Average Driving Distance (Overall Tour) | 319.6 yards |
| Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee Rank | 7th on Tour |
| Key Technology | Low-spin design, deep Center of Gravity for trajectory control |
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