Gotterup Wins WM Phoenix Open Playoff After Matsuyama Distraction Linked to Security Chair Drop

Overview

• Chris Gotterup defeated Hideki Matsuyama in a playoff at TPC Scottsdale to claim his fourth PGA Tour title.
• Golf writer Gabby Herzig reported that a security staffer accidentally dropped a chair during Matsuyama’s playoff backswing, which caused the audible disturbance.
• Separate footage and reports described a fan shout on the 18th green that led Matsuyama to step away before a potential winning putt.
• Michael Kim criticized a small group of disruptive spectators and praised organizers’ efforts, noting the challenge of policing crowds of roughly 100,000.
• Matsuyama ranked second in strokes gained approach and around the green, third in putting, and tied for first overall, but he was 70th off the tee and lost more than 4.8 strokes in that category.