2026 WM Phoenix Open: Ryo Hisatsune Leads the Charge into Moving Day at TPC Scottsdale
Moving Day has arrived at the WM Phoenix Open, and with ideal scoring conditions on tap at TPC Scottsdale, expect the third round to bring the kind of fireworks this tournament is known for. The stage is set for a Saturday showdown, and at the top of the leaderboard sits a rising star who’s quickly making a name for himself.
Ryo Hisatsune Takes the Lead
Ryo Hisatsune, just 23 years old, heads into Saturday with a one-shot lead, riding a wave of momentum after a runner-up finish at Torrey Pines last week. His game has been sharp, his confidence even sharper. The young Japanese standout is chasing his first PGA Tour win, and based on what we’ve seen so far, he’s not just here to contend-he’s here to win.
Hisatsune’s steady play has been the story through two rounds. He’s handled the pressure with a poise beyond his years, navigating the desert layout with precision and patience. But if he wants to hoist the trophy on Sunday, he’ll need to hold off a field packed with proven winners and hungry challengers.
Matsuyama in the Hunt Again
Right on Hisatsune’s heels is a familiar face: Hideki Matsuyama. The two-time winner at TPC Scottsdale knows exactly what it takes to win here, and he’s looking to add a third title to his resume. Matsuyama’s experience at this course is no small advantage-he’s comfortable in this environment, and he knows how to manage the chaos that can come with the weekend crowds at golf’s biggest party.
If Hisatsune is the future of Japanese golf, Matsuyama is still very much the present. And the idea of two countrymen battling it out on the weekend adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling leaderboard.
Gotterup, Fitzpatrick, and Company in Striking Distance
Chris Gotterup, who held the 18-hole lead and already has a win under his belt this season, sits three shots back. He’s shown he can close, and with his aggressive style, he could make a serious move if the putter heats up.
Four shots behind are Matt Fitzpatrick, Si Woo Kim, and Akshay Bhatia-all players with the firepower to go low and shake things up. Fitzpatrick’s ball striking has been solid, Kim is always a threat when he’s dialed in, and Bhatia brings a fearless approach that suits this course perfectly.
This is the kind of group that can flip a leaderboard on its head in a matter of holes.
Scheffler Lurks After Big Friday Bounce-Back
Don’t look now, but Scottie Scheffler is back in the mix. After stumbling out of the gate with a 73 on Thursday, the two-time TPC Scottsdale champ rebounded in a big way with a 65 on Friday. That’s the kind of response you expect from a player of his caliber.
Scheffler may be seven shots back, but with two rounds to play and the kind of scoring opportunities this course offers, he’s far from out of it. His track record here speaks for itself-if he gets hot, he can go on a run in a hurry.
Saturday Set for Drama
With the leaderboard stacked and the scoring conditions ripe, Round 3 is shaping up to be a thriller. TPC Scottsdale has a way of producing drama, especially on a Saturday when the crowd is buzzing and the players are looking to make a move.
Whether it’s Hisatsune holding strong, Matsuyama making a charge, or a name from further back catching fire, this weekend promises to deliver all the excitement we’ve come to expect from the WM Phoenix Open.
Catch all the action from 3-6:30 p.m. ET on CBS and the CBS Sports App. Stay tuned for live scores, highlights, and expert analysis as Moving Day unfolds in the desert.