Tight Three-Way Race Develops on Moving Day at TPC Scottsdale
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open delivered fireworks on Saturday as three players jostled for the lead on Moving Day at TPC Scottsdale, with the tournament’s leaderboard tightening into a thrilling final stretch. Hideki Matsuyama, seeking his third title at the desert course, made an aggressive charge to share the lead at 12-under alongside Ryo Hisatsune and Maverick McNealy, turning a wide-open competition into a nail-biter heading into Sunday’s final round.
The defending two-time Phoenix Open champion Matsuyama showcased why he’s conquered TPC Scottsdale twice before, firing a hot start through the front nine to muscle his way into contention. His long birdie putt on the par-4 fourth hole produced a two-shot swing at the top of the leaderboard, separating himself from the pack and forcing competitors to chase.
Young Star Hisatsune Holds Ground
Japanese phenom Hisatsune, the 23-year-old seeking his first PGA Tour victory, started Saturday holding a one-shot lead but saw that advantage slip away as the day progressed. Fresh off a runner-up finish at Torrey Pines last week, Hisatsune remained in contention but found himself fighting to keep pace with the surging leaders as birdie opportunities cascaded down the back nine.
McNealy made an electrifying run late in the round, carding five birdies in his final seven holes to blast into a tie for the lead. His charge through the birdie-laden stretch of holes 8-14 demonstrated why the WM open leaderboard remained so compressed through 54 holes.
Scheffler Lurks Seven Back
Two-time Phoenix Open champion Scottie Scheffler, who struggled in Friday’s second round with a 73 in the opening round, recovered with a 65 on Friday to sit seven shots back of the leaders. The world’s top-ranked player remains within striking distance should leaders stumble on the back nine, where low scores have been commonplace all week.
Si Woo Kim continued his scorching form with another spectacular day, joining the lead at 11-under after carding an eagle-birdie-birdie start that included stiffing his approach on the sixth hole. The PGA Tour’s hottest player backed up his blistering 62 from Friday, suggesting his momentum could carry into Sunday.
Back-Nine Fireworks Expected Sunday
With multiple players within three shots and pristine conditions forecast, Sunday’s final round promises to deliver the offensive fireworks that make the Phoenix Open famous. The tournament’s birdie-laden back nine will provide ample opportunity for leaders to separate themselves or for challengers to storm back in what has become an unpredictable championship chase.
