WM Phoenix Open Tips

For the outright winner at TPC Scottsdale, I’ll side with Scottie Scheffler. He’s already a two-time Phoenix Open champion (2022 and 2023) and has averaged about 18-under with a third-place average finish here in recent years, driven by dominant par-4 scoring. Coming into 2026, he just claimed his 20th PGA Tour title at The American Express and is again world No. 1 after a six-win 2025 season in which he led the Tour in strokes gained: tee-to-green and overall. In a birdie-friendly, high-energy environment that rewards elite ball-striking and consistency over four days, Scheffler’s combination of course history and current form makes him the most logical pick to lift the trophy again.

One of the longer hitters in the field who’s shown excellent iron play and putting around these parts. Previous top-10 finishes here prove he can handle the wind and fast greens, could quietly creep into contention.

T13 followed by T11 and his two tournaments played this year. Matsuyama is showing some consistency and improving. Maybe a top-6 finish is on the cards.

He’s been just about unstoppable in his recent starts, gaining tons of strokes tee-to-green and showing solid form into the Phoenix Open. If his putter buzzes, he’s definitely in the top-10 mix.

Chris Gotterup has become a more reliable player this past year. He won the Scottish Open and followed it up with a 3rd at The Open. After a quiet spell, he came second at the Grant Thornton Invitational mixed pairs and followed that up by winning the Sony Open in Hawaii. He finished 18th last weekend, but I don't think the venue really suited his game. I expect a stronger showing this weekend.

Towards the top end of the market, I fancy the chances of Collin Morikawa, who has a superb record in this event, having won and finished second a couple of times.

Has come 9th, 3rd, and 17th here, so I'm hoping he can compete with Scheffler here, although it could be tough.

In his two visits here, McNealy finished 6th and 9th, so the course seems to suit his game. His approach play from 270-plus yards is impressive and should stand him in good stead this weekend. He's a good long hitter, so as long as his putting is on song he should figure.

The American was 27th two weeks ago at the American Express, and I am backing Sam Burns to have a good week in Phoenix. 6th and 3rd in 2023 and 2024. I am going with Burns to feature on Super Bowl Sunday.

Viktor Hovland is too big a price for a top player in this. He has been playing well and was tied 14th in the Dubai Desert Classic lately. He has not played here for a few years, but can go well on his return.

Another player toward the top end of the market who should have a decent chance is Brooks Koepka. He is very experienced, has recently returned to the tour, and has the ability to go close.

With Scottie in the field, the prices lower down are high, and this seems high for the five-time winner on the tour.

Sahith has the ability to get into the mix for the win in this, he already has good form against some of the opponents he meets again in this. He arrives after two good tournaments, finished in the top 10 the last twice. He looks to be improving leading into this.

Consistent form shown from Corey in his last two events, finished in the top 30 in his most recent event. He's worth a look today because this event wont be much tougher than his last two events.

Jordan Spieth has not been playing a lot of tournaments but has some fine form here, including plenty of top-ten finishes to his name. He might well be fresh enough to give us a big run for our money here.

At a decent price, I am going to back Sam Stevens to go well here this week. He has some good recent form, with two top-10 finishes of late, and being a good driver should have a good chance.

He's an expert on medium-range courses and has always played well during the West Coast swing. I'm hoping for another good performance here.

A sneaky flyer with good approach and putting stats, especially on firm courses. He’s produced strong results here before and looks priced generously considering his recent form, perfect each-way fodder at a bigger number.

Max Homa is one who could, possibly do well and at these good odds he's at least worth a look. He never really got going in his most recent event but he had better form before that. He's a player with ability so he might be worth forgiving that last performance, possibly worth another chance.

Sepp Straka came a fine third at the Hero Challenge after a break since September. He didn't live up to that performance last week, though, after two poor opening rounds. However, he took a major step forward on day three, shooting a 68 on the hardest course. His consistency wasn't quite there, but he has shown enough to suggest that, if near his best, he should be a factor this weekend.