The 2026 WM Phoenix Open delivered drama from the opening round on Thursday, as Chris Gotterup announced his presence with a scorching 63 while Scottie Scheffler, the tournament's defending champion and world No. 1, stumbled to a surprising 2-over 73.

Gotterup's performance at TPC Scottsdale was nothing short of remarkable, particularly given his previous struggles at the venue. The 25-year-old had missed the cut in both of his prior appearances at the WM Phoenix Open, making his first-round brilliance all the more impressive. Playing with precision and confidence, Gotterup navigated the desert layout with the kind of command typically reserved for seasoned veterans.

His 63 put him atop the leaderboard in the clubhouse, setting an early benchmark for the 123-player field chasing a share of the $9.6 million purse. For Gotterup, this represents a potential breakthrough moment at one of the PGA Tour's most celebrated events, where the raucous crowds at the famous 16th hole create an atmosphere unlike any other in professional golf.

While Gotterup was lighting up the Arizona course, Scheffler was experiencing a rare moment of vulnerability. The dominant force in professional golf over the past two seasons, Scheffler posted a 2-over 73 that left him outside the projected cut line heading into Friday's second round. It marked his highest-scoring round since the start of the 2025 season, a statistic that underscores just how unusual this performance was for the normally unflappable Texan.

Scheffler arrived at TPC Scottsdale as the heavy favorite, and with good reason. The 29-year-old has claimed the WM Phoenix Open title twice, cementing his status as one of the premier performers at this venue. His struggles on Thursday, however, reminded observers that even the game's best can have off days, and that the unpredictable nature of golf remains one of its most compelling elements.

The world No. 1 now faces a Friday fight just to make the weekend, a scenario that seemed almost unthinkable when the week began. Scheffler will need to produce something special in the second round to avoid an early exit and keep his hopes of a third Phoenix title alive.

For the tournament itself, Gotterup's emergence adds an intriguing storyline to a week already filled with anticipation. The WM Phoenix Open has long been known for producing memorable moments and unexpected champions, and the contrast between the leader's breakthrough round and the favorite's struggles has set the stage for what promises to be a compelling weekend.

As the remaining players complete their first rounds, all eyes will be on whether Gotterup can maintain his form and whether Scheffler can mount the kind of comeback that has defined his career. The roars from the 16th hole will echo across the desert once again on Friday, as one of golf's most entertaining events continues to unfold at TPC Scottsdale.

With three rounds remaining and a substantial purse on the line, the 2026 WM Phoenix Open has already delivered the drama that fans have come to expect from this iconic tournament.