GOLF: Chris Gotterup staying grounded through sudden career surge

Chris Gotterup fondly remembers his first time playing Pebble Beach Golf Links.

As a teenager, he made a bet with his father that they would play the iconic public course together once he broke par for the first time. When Gotterup accomplished the feat at 13 or 14—he can’t recall exactly—the pair, along with Gotterup’s brother, enjoyed their long-awaited round at Pebble Beach.

This week, Gotterup returns to Pebble Beach, California, to compete in his first AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. While this visit may not carry the same sentimental weight, it is undeniably more significant in his professional career.

Gotterup arrives as the hottest player on the planet, having won last week’s WM Open for his second PGA Tour victory in just three events this season.

“It’s fun. You know, everyone at home, I haven’t been home in a while, so it’s nice to hear from everyone,” Gotterup said during Wednesday’s press conference. “I think my parents are coming out today. Yeah, it’s been fun to share it with everyone. At some point, when we get some time off, I’ll go home and celebrate with everyone.”

Gotterup’s recent surge has surprised many. A standout collegiate golfer at Oklahoma, he won the Haskins and Jack Nicklaus awards in 2022 but managed only two wins in his first 68 PGA Tour events over four seasons.

After winning the season-opening Sony Open in Honolulu on January 18 and finishing tied for 18th at the Farmers Insurance Open, Gotterup capitalized on late mistakes by Japanese competitor Hideki Matsuyama to claim the WM Open in a playoff.

In both victories this season, Gotterup shot a remarkable 64 in the final round, giving him a strong position to clinch the title.

Last year, Gotterup was ranked 206th in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). With his WM Open win, he surged to fifth, making him the second-highest-ranked American behind only world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Even Scheffler has noticed Gotterup’s rise. “I think everyone understands out here how hard it is to win. We were joking around—Scottie was following me at lunch and said, ‘I’m just going to eat what you’re eating,’” Gotterup shared. “I was like, ‘Yeah, he’s doing pretty good on his own, so I’m not too worried about him.’”

Gotterup’s fast start has placed him comfortably atop the FedEx Cup standings after four events. He has 1,046 points, well ahead of Scheffler (625) in second and Ryan Gerard (542) in third.

Despite the attention, Gotterup says he remains grounded, thanks to the support of family, friends, and coaches.

“I don’t think I get too caught up in it all. I try to focus on what’s in front of me, and this week obviously is a big week for everyone,” he said. “But all that stuff is very cool—there’s no denying that—but it doesn’t stop what we’re trying to do.

“My coach texted me, saying, ‘Obviously enjoy Sunday, but I want you to get out there and do some combines, send me some texts, and make sure you’re doing your stuff and not getting too caught up in everything.’ Everyone keeps me in check, and I try to keep myself in check for the most part, too.”

—Field Level Media/Reuters