Chris Gotterup has been one of the best players on the PGA Tour over the past seven months, with three victories to his name over that time-span.
Gotterup had won only once in his career on the PGA Tour before he shocked the golfing world with his victory at the Scottish Open in July last year.
What made his win even more impressive was the fact that he stared down Rory McIlroy in the final group on Sunday, before getting the better of the world number two.
Give us one reason why Chris Gotterup could be the man to challenge Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy
Gotterup began his 2026 in fine style with a win at the Sony Open…
He then started off his 2026 season with a win at the Sony Open before reigning supreme in Phoenix three weeks later.
Gotterup’s move to Florida this past winter enabled him to fly out of the blocks when the PGA Tour season began, as he was able to keep his game sharp throughout the cold weather months.
With two wins in four starts to his name already this season, 2026 could well be a special year for Chris Gotterup.
Johnson Wagner makes Chris Gotterup major prediction
2026 could be a year to remember for the 26-year-old from New Jersey, according to Johnson Wagner.
Wagner has been speaking to CBS about Gotterup’s fine form so far in 2026.
The former PGA Tour player was asked what he expects to see from the 26-year-old moving forward.
“Yeah, Chris Gotterup has just been unbelievable,“ Wagner said.
“Starting the year with the win at the Sony Open, backing it up with great play the next few weeks, obviously picking up that second win in Phoenix.
“And, you know, last year, when he won the Scottish Open, played with Rory, he backed it up with a nice Open Championship and continued to play well.
If Tiger Woods plays in The Masters this year, will he make the cut or miss the cut?
“But I think coming out earlier this year, not only winning once, but winning twice, he said, ‘You know what, guys, I’m in this upper echelon of players now’.
“I think we’re going to continue to see Chris rise, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pick off a major or at least contend seriously late on a Sunday real soon.“
It’s hard to disagree with Wagner. The most impressive thing about Gotterup is that once he gets in contention, he keeps his foot down on the accelerator.
The scary thing about Gotterup is that he has so much potential to become even better than he already is.
Chris Gotterup’s PGA Tour stats in 2026
Gotterup’s ball-striking has been sensational so far this year.
He’s been great around the greens as well but once he gets onto the surfaces, he has struggled.
Here are his stats from the 2026 PGA Tour season so far:
| Stats | Gotterup’s 2026 rank |
| Strokes gained off the tee | 4 |
| Strokes gained approach | 30 |
| Strokes gained around the greens | 17 |
| Strokes gained putting | 102 |
| Strokes gained total | 7 |
It’s quite clear to see which department of Gotterup’s game is letting him down at the moment.
Can you imagine if the 26-year-old finds a way to become even an average putter?
If that does actually happen, we may well be looking at Scottie Scheffler’s closest challenger on the PGA Tour.
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