Fri Feb 06 21:30:00 UTC 2026: # Matsuyama Surges, Koepka Falters in Pivotal Second Round of WM Phoenix Open

The Story:
The second round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale witnessed a significant shift in the leaderboard, with Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time champion (2016, 2017), taking a commanding lead. Matsuyama’s impressive play contrasted sharply with that of Brooks Koepka, also a two-time champion, who failed to make the cut. Other notable performances included Si Woo Kim’s remarkable 9-under 62, vaulting him into contention. Several golfers are battling to make the cut, while some big names will need to rally.

Key Points:

  • Hideki Matsuyama leads after the second round, showcasing his comfort with the Phoenix Open atmosphere.
  • Si Woo Kim shot a stunning 9-under 62, moving into the top five after starting at +2 in the first round.
  • Brooks Koepka will not play the weekend, missing the cut after finishing at +2 overall.
  • The projected cut line is at -1, putting pressure on golfers like Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, and Tony Finau.
  • John Parry, a 39-year-old rookie, is a contender after shooting a 5-under 66 to reach -7.
  • Akshay Bhatia has positioned himself as a contender for the WM Phoenix Open title with a strong -3 opening round and an even stronger -4 in the second round.
  • Simultaneous to the tournament, the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony is taking place in Milan and Cortina, Italy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Matsuyama’s Dominance: Hideki Matsuyama’s past success at the WM Phoenix Open appears to be a significant factor in his strong performance in the second round.
  • Volatility of Golf: The dramatic shifts in the leaderboard demonstrate the unpredictable nature of professional golf, where a single exceptional round can significantly alter a player’s standing.
  • Crowd Influence: Matsuyama’s comments highlight the unique atmosphere of the WM Phoenix Open, where crowd interaction plays a distinctive role and affects player behavior.
  • Olympics Distraction? It is possible that the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics could be drawing some viewership and media attention away from the WM Phoenix Open, though the sporting events cater to very different audiences.

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