2026 WM Phoenix Open Recap
As the iconic TPC Scottsdale played host to the final round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, all eyes were on leader Scottie Scheffler, who entered Sunday with a two-stroke advantage. With a competitive field chasing him and the lively fans creating an electric atmosphere, it was clear that the excitement surrounding this tournament was palpable. As the day unfolded, the leaderboard saw significant changes, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to one of the PGA Tour’s fan-favorite events.
How the Round Unfolded
The morning sun bathed TPC Scottsdale in perfect golfing weather, with temperatures hovering in the mid-70s and only a light breeze to contend with. Play began smoothly; however, tension built quickly as players navigated the notoriously difficult 16th hole—an amphitheater-style par-3 that drew an impressive crowd.
Scottie Scheffler started strong, rolling in an early birdie to extend his lead, while his closest competitors, including Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, struggled with inconsistent putting. The momentum shifted dramatically as the front nine progressed, with Spieth sinking three consecutive birdies, gaining ground on Scheffler.
As the round transitioned to the back nine, the atmosphere intensified. Scheffler, under pressure and with the 16th hole looming, made a crucial par save. Meanwhile, McIlroy drained a long putt for eagle on the 15th, resulting in a roaring cheer from the fans and a dramatic shift in the leaderboard. By the time players reached the final stretch, the standings were tightly bunched.
Standout Performances
Leading the charge, Scottie Scheffler held his position atop the leaderboard but faced relentless challenges. Despite entering with a two-stroke lead, his game fluctuated, as he ended the round with a 3-under 68—a performance highlighted by clutch putting on the back nine. Scheffler’s ability to respond under pressure proved crucial, particularly on the final holes.
Jordan Spieth emerged as a formidable contender, shooting a stellar 5-under 66 to share the spotlight with Scheffler at the top of the leaderboard. His consistent play and steely resolve were evident, particularly on the approach shots that positioned him well for birdies.
Rory McIlroy’s performance was compelling, finishing the round at 4-under 67, showcasing his spectacular driving accuracy and precision. His eagle on the 15th propelled him into the mix, indicating he is certainly one to watch moving forward.
Further down the leaderboard, Tommy Fleetwood made a significant move with a tidy 4-under 67, securing a top-10 finish, while Phil Mickelson delighted his home crowd with a vintage round, highlighting moments of brilliance that reminded many of his past glory at this very course.
Course and Conditions
The course setup at TPC Scottsdale was challenging yet fair, with fast greens that tested players’ skills on every hole. The light winds offered some reprieve, allowing for scoring opportunities, but the firm, undulating greens added an extra layer of intricacy to putts and chips. Players noted how crucial it was to keep the ball below the hole to avoid three-putts, particularly in the final round.
Throughout the day, course conditions remained ideal, enhancing the players’ ability to showcase their talents, ultimately leading to impressive low scores that energized the crowd even further.
Standings Context
As the day concluded, the cut line fell at even par, with several notable players failing to advance to the weekend, including last year’s champion, who had an off week. Nevertheless, the top contenders moving into the final round are now jockeying for position in the 2026 FedEx Cup standings. A top finish here could significantly impact qualification for the playoffs, providing players extra incentive to perform well at TPC Scottsdale.
Scottie Scheffler now appears to be in prime position to solidify his lead in the FedEx Cup rankings, while Spieth and McIlroy are close behind, each looking to gain valuable points as the season progresses.
What to Watch Next
With a thrilling finish on the horizon, golf fans should tune in for tomorrow’s action-packed final round. Tee times are set to begin at 10:00 AM ET, with Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth once again playing in the final group, likely drawing tremendous fanfare. Other notable pairings include McIlroy and Fleetwood, promising further excitement on the leaderboard.
As tensions rise and the stakes heighten, players will need to channel their skills and mentally prepare for what TPC Scottsdale has in store.
What are your predictions for the final round? Will Scheffler maintain his lead, or can Spieth or McIlroy mount a comeback? Share your thoughts below!
