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Matsuyama Leads Phoenix Open by One Shot Heading into Final Hole

Hideki Matsuyama holds narrow advantage as Chris Gotterup waits to see if playoff beckons at TPC Scottsdale

Hideki Matsuyama stands on the precipice of victory at the PGA Tour‘s WM Phoenix Open, holding a slender one-shot lead at 17-under-par as he prepares to tackle the 72nd and final hole at TPC Scottsdale.

The Japanese star has positioned himself perfectly for another tour victory, but the pressure is mounting with Chris Gotterup lurking just one stroke behind at 16-under-par. Gotterup has completed his round and now faces an anxious wait to see whether his score will be sufficient to force a playoff.

The drama is unfolding at one of golf’s most electric venues, where the Stadium Course designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish provides the backdrop for the tour event with the largest attendance figures of any golf tournament worldwide. The course, which underwent renovations in 2014, is particularly famous for its par-3 16th hole that transforms into “The Coliseum” during tournament play.

Final Hole Drama

Matsuyama’s situation heading into the final hole presents both opportunity and peril. The closing stretch at TPC Scottsdale has witnessed numerous dramatic finishes over the years, and the pressure of maintaining a lead while knowing exactly what score is needed can prove challenging even for seasoned professionals.

For Gotterup, the waiting game represents the unique tension that golf creates. Having posted his 16-under-par total, he can only watch and hope that Matsuyama encounters difficulty on the final hole, potentially opening the door to his first PGA Tour victory.

Tournament Context

The WM Phoenix Open’s reputation as golf’s loudest and most raucous event adds another layer of complexity to the final-hole drama. The massive galleries that flock to TPC Scottsdale create an atmosphere unlike any other in professional golf, providing both energy and distraction for the players.

CBS Sports is providing live coverage of the climactic moments, ensuring golf fans worldwide can witness whether Matsuyama can close out the victory or if Gotterup’s patience will be rewarded with a playoff opportunity.

This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue