The WM Phoenix Open is heating up, and the final round promises to be a nail-biter! Hideki Matsuyama currently holds a slender one-shot lead, but the real drama lies in the pack of contenders breathing down his neck. Among them, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick stands out, just two shots back and ready to pounce on Sunday. But here’s where it gets controversial: can Matsuyama hold off the charging Fitzpatrick, or will the Englishman steal the show? And this is the part most people miss—Matsuyama, a two-time Phoenix Open champion (2016, 2017), knows this course like the back of his hand, but Fitzpatrick’s consistency this season makes him a formidable threat.
Matsuyama’s third-round performance was solid, finishing three-under-par with a 68, though he narrowly missed a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th that could have given him a cushion. Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick sits at 11-under-par, tied with Americans Michael Thorbjornsen, Jake Knapp, and Akshay Bhatia. Ryo Hisatsune, Nicolai Hojgaard, Si Woo Kim, and Maverick McNealy are all just one shot behind Matsuyama, setting the stage for a crowded leaderboard.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, five shots off the lead after a 67 in the third round, is still very much in the mix. Scheffler, chasing his 21st PGA Tour title and second of 2026, draws inspiration from his 2022 comeback win here, where he overcame a nine-shot deficit. But here’s the bold question: Can he pull off another miracle, or will the younger contenders outshine him this time?
Scheffler himself admitted to finding a small but crucial adjustment in his grip, telling PGATour.com, 'I felt more in control of my game today. You can see that through the cleaner card.' Could this be the turning point for him?
For golf fans, the action is unmissable. Tune in to Sky Sports Golf from 5 pm on Sunday, with coverage also on Sky Sports Main Event from 8 pm. If you’re not a Sky subscriber, no worries—stream contract-free on NOW. And while you’re at it, why not book a round at one of 1,700 courses across the UK & Ireland at the best prices?
Controversial question for you: With so many players within striking distance, who do you think will emerge victorious? Is Matsuyama’s experience enough to fend off Fitzpatrick’s momentum, or will Scheffler’s late charge steal the spotlight? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
