Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav · Golf Channel

Phoenix shows again why it's one of the greatest shows on turf

·52 min·5 clips

Chris Gotterup just clinched the WM Phoenix Open in a playoff, marking his first time leading this tournament on Sunday.

This episode of the Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav breaks down Chris Gotterup's dramatic playoff victory at the WM Phoenix Open. Hosts Rex and Lav provide immediate post-tournament analysis from TPC Scottsdale. They frame the win as a pivotal next step in Gotterup's career following his recent Sony Open title. The hosts detail how Hideki Matsuyama, seeking a third Phoenix Open win, seemed destined for victory before his poor driving opened the door. Gotterup finished his final round nearly an hour before Matsuyama, forcing a long wait. Rex and Lav contrast Gotterup's statistical weaknesses, like his wedge play inside 100 yards and putting, with his undeniable mental fortitude. They recount his journey from being an overlooked player at Rutgers to winning the Haskins Award at Oklahoma. His professional path includes an opposite-field win in Myrtle Beach and a notable head-to-head triumph over Rory McIlroy at last year's Scottish Open. A surprising insight is Gotterup's emotional reaction to post-round interviews with Amanda Balionis, which consistently make him cry despite his "jock swagger" persona. The hosts find the dichotomy between his on-course toughness and this vulnerability fascinating. They emphasize that his win resulted from seizing an opportunity when a top player like Matsuyama faltered. The discussion suggests Gotterup's entire career has been fueled by a persistent "chip on his shoulder" mentality. The tone is energetic, conversational, and analytical, capturing the "fun, frenetic, frantic" atmosphere of the event. The style blends play-by-play recap with deeper career profiling. Golf fans who enjoy tournament recaps and analyses of rising players' career trajectories will love this episode. Listeners seeking instruction or non-PGA Tour content might skip it.

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