Xander Schauffele Fires Final-Round 65 to Win WM Phoenix Open in Playoff Thriller

Xander Schauffele captured his first PGA Tour victory of 2026 Tuesday evening, firing a brilliant final-round 65 before defeating Patrick Cantlay on the first playoff hole to claim the WM Phoenix Open title at TPC Scottsdale in front of a raucous Arizona crowd.

Schauffele entered the final round three shots behind overnight leader Cantlay but produced a flawless performance when it mattered most, carding seven birdies and no bogeys to force the playoff. His final-round masterclass included a spectacular eagle on the par-5 15th hole, where he holed a 40-foot putt that sent the famous 16th-hole crowd into a frenzy.

"This place is just electric," Schauffele said while holding the crystal trophy. "The energy from the fans all week was incredible, and to win here in this atmosphere is something I'll never forget. Patrick pushed me to play my best golf, and that's what makes victories like this so special."

The playoff was decided on the iconic par-3 17th hole, where Schauffele hit a perfect 8-iron to 12 feet before calmly rolling in the birdie putt. Cantlay, seeking his third PGA Tour victory of the season, narrowly missed his birdie attempt from 18 feet to hand Schauffele the title.

Cantlay had been in control for most of the final round, maintaining his lead through 15 holes before Schauffele's late charge created drama. The former FedEx Cup champion shot a solid 68 but couldn't match Schauffele's closing stretch of three birdies in the final four holes of regulation.

Hideki Matsuyama finished third at 19-under par after a final-round 66, while rising star Ludvig Åberg claimed fourth place following an impressive 64 that included a hole-in-one on the famous 16th hole. The Swedish amateur's ace was met with one of the loudest roars in tournament history.

The victory moves Schauffele back into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking and provides crucial momentum as the PGA Tour season builds toward the major championships. His combination of elite ball-striking and improved putting suggests he could be a factor in all four majors this year.