The WM Phoenix Open witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion, missed the cut, while Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer, continued his dominant performance. Koepka's journey ended after 36 holes, with a score of two over, following a two-under 69 on Friday and a four-over 75 on Thursday. This marks his second event since returning from the LIV Golf circuit, where he failed to secure a spot in the final two rounds.
In contrast, Scheffler, who started with a 73, showcased his prowess with a flawless 65, maintaining his remarkable streak of making 66 consecutive PGA Tour cuts since 2022. With a score of four under, he remains in the running for his 20th PGA Tour title and a second victory in 2026. Scheffler's performance is reminiscent of his triumph at this very event four years ago, when he overcame a nine-shot deficit.
The leaderboard saw a thrilling shift as Ryo Hisatsune, a Japanese golfer, took the lead with an eight-under 63, finishing at 11 under at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. Hisatsune's back nine was particularly impressive, with four birdies and an eagle between holes 13 and 17, including a chip-in on his penultimate hole after driving into the water. Hideki Matsuyama, another Japanese star, surged into the lead earlier but was eventually eclipsed by Hisatsune.
The competition is fierce, with Pierceson Coody and Chris Gotterup sharing joint-third place on eight under, closely followed by a group of contenders including Matthew Fitzpatrick, John Parry, and Si Woo Kim, who shot a round-of-the-day nine-under 62. Kim's performance was notable, as he registered eight birdies and an eagle after starting his second round with a bogey. Parry, who earned his PGA Tour card last year, carded a five-under 66, showcasing his consistency with eight birdies and three bogeys.
Fitzpatrick's score of one-under 71 was characterized by birdies at the second and third holes, followed by a streak of eight straight pars. The tension rose as he faced three bogeys, two birdies, and two pars across his last seven holes. The WM Phoenix Open's third round will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf at 5 pm on Saturday, with further coverage on Sky Sports Main Event from 8:30 pm. Golf enthusiasts can also stream the action contract-free on NOW.
This event has become a hub for golf enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of excitement and controversy. The battle for the top spot promises to be intense, with Scheffler's consistent performance and Hisatsune's impressive display setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. As the tournament unfolds, spectators can anticipate more dramatic moments and unexpected twists, leaving them eagerly awaiting the final results.
