JAPANESE DOMINANCE AT TPC SCOTTSDALE - FEBRUARY 7TH, 2026

We break down the Japanese leaderboard takeover at the WM Phoenix Open, Scottie Scheffler’s shocking mortality, and the equipment changes plaguing a "terrified" Brooks Koepka.JAPANESE TAKEOVERRookie Ryo Hisatsune leads the pack at 11-under after a stellar 63, but the story of the day is Hideki Matsuyama. The former champion went "nuclear" late, setting up a fascinating Master vs. Student weekend showdown in the desert.The Run: Matsuyama birdied six consecutive holes to vault into solo second at 10-under.The Fix: Hisatsune credits a new putting grip for his sudden surge to the top.SCOTTIE STUMBLES & BROOKS BLINKSScottie Scheffler looked human for the first time in ages, shooting a shocking 73 to snap his historic sub-par streak due to uncharacteristic flubbed chips. Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka made a desperate switch from his blade to a Spider mallet.The Quote: Koepka admitted he’s been "terrified" of putting for two years while sitting outside the cut line.The Olive Branch: Despite the struggles, Scheffler went on record welcoming LIV competitors back to the Tour.PARTY HOLE CHAOS & OFF-COURSE DRAMAThe People’s Open delivered the viral goods: Joel Dahmen chipped in wearing a Seahawks helmet on 16, and Cameron Young played off a concrete cart path. But the drama wasn't just on the grass—we dig into Wesley Bryan’s suspension and denied meeting with Jay Monahan.Shot of the Day: Sahith Theegala’s electric bunker hole-out sent the crowd into a frenzy.Social Beef: Dylan Wu took to social media to criticize the Tour’s handling of alternate spots.Quick HitsCam Davis’s near-ace on 17 • Si Woo Kim fires a 62 • Fitzpatrick ties back-nine record Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.