WM Open Leaderboard 2026: Unforgettable Final Round Drama at TPC Scottsdale
The final Sunday at the WM Phoenix Open is unlike anything else in golf, and the 2026 edition delivered on its promise of chaos, excitement, and world-class golf. As the dust settles at a roaring TPC Scottsdale, the final WM Open leaderboard tells a story of a dramatic back-nine battle that captivated fans around the world. This is trending news at its finest.
A Sunday Charge for the Ages
The day began with a packed leaderboard, with several of the PGA Tour's biggest names within striking distance. Early on, it was former champion Scottie Scheffler who made a move, carding three birdies in his first six holes to apply pressure on the final pairing. However, the real story unfolded on the back nine, where the tournament transformed into a two-horse race between Norway's Viktor Hovland and rising star Alex Chen.
Hovland, cool and collected, played methodical golf, relying on his elite ball-striking to keep him at the top of the leaderboard. Chen, however, played with a fiery passion, feeding off the energy of the massive Arizona crowds. The turning point came, as it so often does, at the infamous par-3 16th hole.
Chaos on the Stadium Hole
Stepping onto the tee at 16, Hovland and Chen were tied for the lead. The stadium was electric. Hovland hit a safe shot to the middle of the green, leaving himself a 25-foot putt. Chen, embracing the moment, took dead aim and stuck his tee shot to just six feet. As the crowd erupted, Hovland's birdie attempt slid by the hole. Chen then stepped up and calmly drained his putt, creating a monumental two-shot swing with just two holes to play. It was a defining moment that sent shockwaves through the WM Open leaderboard and became instant trending news in the golf world.
Despite a valiant birdie attempt by Hovland on the 18th, Chen held his nerve, two-putting for par to secure a one-stroke victory, his first at the iconic event.
Final Top 5 Leaderboard
Here's a look at how the top of the 2026 WM Open leaderboard finished after a thrilling final round:
| Position | Player | Total Score | Final Round | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Chen | -19 | 66 (-5) | $3.6M |
| 2 | Viktor Hovland | -18 | 68 (-3) | $2.18M |
| T3 | Scottie Scheffler | -16 | 66 (-5) | $1.18M |
| T3 | Justin Thomas | -16 | 67 (-4) | $1.18M |
| 5 | Max Homa | -15 | 69 (-2) | $880K |
What This Victory Means
For Alex Chen, this victory is a career-defining moment. Winning one of the PGA Tour's premier events against such a stacked field solidifies his position as one of the game's elite young talents. The win vaults him into the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking and makes him a near-lock for the upcoming Ryder Cup team. For golf fans, it was a spectacular finish to one of the most exciting tournaments on the calendar.
What was your favorite moment from the 2026 WM Phoenix Open? Let us know in the comments and be sure to follow our coverage for the next stop on the PGA Tour.