Chris Gotterup began his 2026 PGA Tour season with an impressive performance at the Sony Open in Honolulu, Hawaii, capturing his first career PGA Tour victory. Gotterup closed with a 6-under-par 64 in the final round, highlighted by three key birdies on the back nine that helped him secure a two-shot win.
The 26-year-old from Little Silver, New Jersey, showcased consistency and composure throughout the tournament at Waialae Country Club. Heading into the final round within reach of the leaders, Gotterup delivered a strong finish to separate himself from the field. His late surge, including birdies on three of the final six holes, proved decisive in overcoming a tightly contested leaderboard.
Gotterup’s final score capped off a consistent week of play, building on momentum from earlier rounds and demonstrating maturity in a competitive field. The breakthrough win not only earns him title honors at the Sony Open but also secures a full exemption on the PGA Tour and qualification into key upcoming tournaments, including the Players Championship and the Masters.
This victory marks a major milestone in Gotterup’s professional career. After a strong collegiate run at Rutgers and the University of Oklahoma, he turned professional in 2022 and spent time competing on the Korn Ferry Tour. His transition to the PGA Tour has now borne fruit with a statement win early in the season.
With the 2026 PGA Tour calendar just underway, Gotterup’s victory puts him in the spotlight and sets a promising tone for his year. As the Tour continues its early swing through the Pacific, he will aim to build on this strong start and establish himself as one of the rising players to watch in the coming months.
