The 2026 WM Phoenix Open is heating up, and the final round promises to be a thrilling battle! Hideki Matsuyama, a seasoned champion, is steadily climbing the leaderboard and is poised to secure his third victory at TPC Scottsdale.
But here's where it gets exciting: Matsuyama, fresh off his win at the Hero World Challenge, is leading by one shot as he enters the final 18 holes. However, a pack of four determined golfers, including Ryo Hisatsune, Si Woo Kim, Maverick McNealy, and Nicolai Hojgaard, are just one stroke behind, ready to pounce. And this is the part most people miss—Matsuyama's lead is far from secure.
As the action unfolds, Si Woo Kim, renowned for his fairway accuracy, seizes the moment and joins Matsuyama at the top with a birdie on the par-5 3rd. But wait, there's more! The young American, Michael Thorbjornsen, also rises to the challenge, matching Kim's score and adding a twist to the tale. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, starts his Sunday five strokes behind Matsuyama, but with a history of remarkable comebacks, he's a force to be reckoned with.
And then there's Viktor Hovland, who opens with a birdie and is ready to pounce from the fairway. The stage is set for an epic showdown, with every golfer bringing their A-game. Will Matsuyama hold on to his lead, or will one of the chasers steal the show? Tune in to CBS, CBSSports.com, and the CBS Sports App to witness the drama unfold live from 3-6 p.m. This is one golf tournament you won't want to miss!
Controversial Prediction: Matsuyama's lead might not be as solid as it seems. With so many talented players in hot pursuit, could we see a surprise winner? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Who do you think will emerge victorious, and why?
