Key facts
- Chris Gotterup has won four PGA Tour titles in the last year, equaling Scottie Scheffler's total.
- He is currently ranked No. 7 in the world, placing him among golf's elite young American players.
- Gotterup has achieved three wins this season by shooting 64 or lower in the final round, a feat not seen in at least 50 years.
- His victories include the Scottish Open last year, the Sony Open, the WM Phoenix Open, and the John Deere Classic.
- Gotterup's game has evolved significantly, allowing him to compete and win on various courses and conditions globally.
Chris Gotterup has transformed his golf game, evolving from a struggling amateur to a top-ranked professional with four PGA Tour wins in the past year, matching Scottie Scheffler's total. His journey, marked by a significant improvement in performance and ranking, has seen him achieve victories in diverse conditions and locations, including the Scottish Open, Sony Open, WM Phoenix Open, and John Deere Classic.
Gotterup's rise is notable for his ability to close out tournaments with exceptional final rounds, including scores of 64 twice and a 62 at the John Deere Classic. This consistent high-level performance has propelled him to No. 7 in the world rankings, placing him among the elite young American golfers alongside players like Cameron Young and Collin Morikawa.
Reflecting on his past, Gotterup recalled early struggles, including a particularly poor performance in a Texas tournament that made him question his father's investment. This experience, along with his college career at Rutgers and then Oklahoma, shaped his understanding of his game and the need for challenge. He moved from New Jersey to Oklahoma to experience different playing conditions, such as Bermuda grass and windy environments, which he believes were crucial for his development.
Gotterup attributes his recent success to hard work, a simple approach, and the support of his coaches, family, and girlfriend, rather than a single drastic change. He is now preparing to compete in the Scottish Open again, facing a strong field that includes Scheffler and McIlroy, with expectations high for his performance.