Chris Gotterup Rises to No. 5 in World Golf Rankings After Phoenix Win

Chris Gotterup heads into the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am as the No. 5 player in the world golf rankings after beating Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff at the WM Phoenix Open. The 26-year-old from New Jersey won his second PGA Tour event of 2026 last Sunday, jumping nine spots from No. 14. He started the year at No. 28 and was No. 206 a year ago.

Background

Gotterup grew up in Little Silver, New Jersey, and started playing college golf at Rutgers University. He spent four years there before transferring to the University of Oklahoma for his final season in 2021-22. At Oklahoma, he led the Sooners to the NCAA quarterfinals and earned national player of the year honors, including the Fred Haskins and Jack Nicklaus Awards. He became the top player in college golf that year.

He turned pro in 2022 and split time between the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour, the tour just below the PGA. In his first full pro season, he tied for fourth at the John Deere Classic. He earned his full PGA Tour card for 2023 and picked up his first win at the 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic. Last year, he beat Rory McIlroy to win the Genesis Scottish Open and finished third at the Open Championship.

This season marks a big step up. Gotterup opened with a win at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January. He skipped the American Express tournament but still leads the FedEx Cup standings. His four PGA Tour wins have come in just 71 starts. He stands 6 feet tall and ranks fifth in driving distance this year. His strokes gained total stat sits second on tour.

Key Details

At the WM Phoenix Open, Gotterup trailed entering the final round. He birdied five of his last six holes to force a playoff with Matsuyama. In the playoff, he birdied again to win. Matsuyama, who lost the playoff, moved up to No. 11 in the rankings.

Recent Form

Gotterup has won three of his last 10 PGA Tour starts, dating back to last summer. He has made the cut in all three events this year with three top-25 finishes. His earnings top $10 million on tour. The Phoenix win made him the first multiple winner of 2026. Scottie Scheffler holds No. 1, followed by Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Tommy Fleetwood.

Gotterup's rise sets a record for Oklahoma alums. He tops Anthony Kim's previous high of No. 6 from 2008. Other players moved up too. Michael Thorbjornsen jumped from No. 65 to 43, and Pierceson Coody went from 47 to 44, helping their Masters chances.

"I didn’t think this would happen, especially after Friday and Saturday, but here we are." – Chris Gotterup, after the Phoenix win

"A lot of hard work. There’s just so many people who believe in me. To be able to share it with them… it’s just so much fun." – Chris Gotterup, on CBS broadcast

At Pebble Beach, Scheffler joked about copying Gotterup's lunch. Gotterup said Scheffler followed him at lunch and commented, "I’m just going to eat what you’re eating."

What This Means

Gotterup now chases spots in majors like the Masters, which takes top-50 players. His No. 5 rank locks him in for most big events. The Pebble Beach purse is $20 million as the first signature event of the year. He has no week off after Phoenix.

His FedEx Cup lead grows weekly. With Scheffler at No. 1 and others close, Gotterup joins the top group. Patrick Reed hit No. 17 after his own win. Gotterup's putting ranks 64th, but his ball-striking and driving carry him. He leads points with 1,046.

Fans see him as a contender against Scheffler and McIlroy. His college success and quick pro wins show consistency. The Phoenix crowd roared as he closed with birdies on six of seven holes including the playoff. Matsuyama struggled off the tee.

Gotterup's story draws from New Jersey roots to world top five. He proves ready for weekly pressure. Pebble Beach tests accuracy on tight fairways, but his distance helps. Other winners this year include Scheffler and Rose. Gotterup's pace stands out early.