Hideki Matsuyama’s Pursuit of a Third WM Phoenix Open Title

Two-time WM Phoenix Open champion Hideki Matsuyama finds himself in an excellent position to secure a third title at TPC Scottsdale after delivering an impressive round of 68 on Saturday. This score provides Matsuyama with sole possession of the lead as he heads into Sunday’s final round. His strong performance was aided by an astonishing 64 on Friday, which thrust him into contention. Moreover, his composed play during the Moving Day back nine was crucial, as it solidified his chance to raise another trophy in Arizona. With momentum on his side, Matsuyama is keen to convert this opportunity into another legacy-defining moment.

Early Moves and Steady Play

Matsuyama started strong by birdieing the first hole, sharing the lead right from the outset and maintaining that position throughout the day. His early play was eventful, showcasing a mix of three birdies and two bogeys within the first five holes. However, he soon found his rhythm and navigated through TPC Scottsdale with relative ease and little drama. His ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations has been evident, allowing him to execute solid shots and maintain his lead effectively.

A Shifting Game: Putting Performance

Typically, Matsuyama’s putting has been a weak link in his game; however, this week at TPC Scottsdale, he has exhibited remarkable comfort on the greens. His superb putting skills have propelled him to a top 10 rank in strokes gained putting so far in the tournament. His proficiency inside 10 feet has been impressive, and he has consistently made longer putts by expertly matching line and speed on the challenging desert greens. This newly found confidence in his putting game could prove instrumental in his championship bid.

Close Competition Ahead

Despite a solid performance on Saturday, Matsuyama’s not-so-low score led to a crowded leaderboard trailing close behind him, as nine players are within a two-shot range as they go into the final round. There’s a palpable knowledge among the competing players that lower scores—some even as low as 65—could significantly shake up the standings during Sunday’s play. The competitive nature of this event means that Matsuyama will need to stay sharp and aggressive if he wants to maintain his lead.

Weather and Early Starters

Good news awaits the golfers; the weather forecast for Sunday is promising once again. However, if the wind pattern mirrors previous rounds, early starters might have the advantage of applying pressure on those later in the day. Players like World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who also has two victories at this event, could capitalize on the conditions. After a slow start in the third round, Scheffler managed to turn it around, shooting a 67 and positioning himself T16 at 8 under, five strokes behind Matsuyama. If he can start off strong this Sunday, he’s likely to make a significant impact on the scoreboard.

Leaderboard Overview

1. Hideki Matsuyama (-13): Matsuyama is back in a position of strength at TPC Scottsdale, a course where he boasts an enviable record. While it has been four years since he was last in the thick of the action here, his game appears solid, showcasing control and precision. His history suggests confidence—Matsuyama has never lost a tournament in which he held the solo lead entering the final round, successfully converting all five earlier chances into victories, as noted by Justin Ray.

Key Contenders on the Leaderboard

T2. Nicolai Højgaard, Maverick McNealy, Si Woo Kim, Ryo Hisatsune (-12)
T6. Matt Fitzpatrick, Michael Thorbjornsen, Jake Knapp (-11)
10. John Parry (-10)
T11. Viktor Hovland, Min Woo Lee, Rasmus Højgaard, Chris Gotterup, Pierceson Coody (-9)
T16. Scottie Scheffler and three others (-8)

Exciting Finale Expected

The top of the leaderboard is packed with players who have exhibited remarkable form as the 2026 season unfolds. Many of them are coming off strong third-round performances, which should contribute to an exciting finish on Sunday. Players like Hovland, McNealy, Thorbjornsen, and Nicolai Højgaard posted impressive 65s during Saturday’s round, positioning themselves firmly in contention. Others, such as Kim, Knapp, and Rasmus Højgaard, who clocked in with 5-under 66s, will be eager to replicate that effort for a chance at triumph.

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2026 WM Phoenix Open Odds & Picks

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

• Hideki Matsuyama (23/10)
• Si Woo Kim (5-1)
• Maverick McNealy (6-1)
• Nicolai Højgaard (15/2)
• Ryo Hisatsune (11-1)
• Matt Fitzpatrick (14-1)
• Jake Knapp (14-1)
• Michael Thorbjornsen (16-1)
• Scottie Scheffler (22-1)

As the tournament proceeds into the final day, Matsuyama holds the same odds as the leader he once trailed by just one shot after 36 holes. This offers considerable value, especially considering the fierce competition behind. Notably, Kim excels in capitalizing on scoring opportunities, making him a formidable threat. Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick’s recent struggles present a concern, but at 14-1, there’s potential value in a player capable of racking up birdies at this challenging venue, now just two shots back.