Ryo Hisatsune Leads at WM Phoenix Open, Scheffler Struggles
Ryo Hisatsune, a 23-year-old from Japan, holds a narrow lead at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open after a stellar second-round performance of 8-under 63. His two-day total of 11-under puts him one stroke ahead of compatriot Hideki Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion.
Saddier and Pavon: A Tale of Two Frenchmen
Adrien Saddier successfully made the cut, carding rounds of 68 and 71 to reach -3. A notable moment for Saddier was a drive on the 17th hole that landed less than 6 meters from the pin. Matthieu Pavon, yet, faced a tougher day, missing the cut after consecutive double-bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes. He finished at +3.
Scheffler’s Leisurely Start
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler began the third round seven shots off the lead. Despite being a betting favorite, his start to Saturday was described as “scratchy,” with four consecutive pars and a failure to capitalize on the par-5 3rd hole. He signed for a 65 on Friday, but will need a similar performance to contend for his third WM Phoenix Open title.
Hisatsune’s Momentum
Hisatsune’s 36-hole score of 131 is a career low on the PGA Tour. He finished second at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open, his best career finish in 65 starts. He is seeking his first 36-hole lead or co-lead. Hisatsune is currently fourth in the Aon Swing 5 standings, with the top five qualifying for Signature Events at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational.
Other Contenders
Akshay Bhatia, Sahith Theegala, and Matt Fitzpatrick are also in contention, all at -7. Matsuyama is one stroke behind Hisatsune at -11.
Did you realize?
Adrien Saddier’s impressive drive on the 17th hole at the WM Phoenix Open measured over 300 meters!
FAQ
Q: Who is currently leading the WM Phoenix Open?
A: Ryo Hisatsune is currently leading the tournament.
Q: Did Scottie Scheffler make a strong start on Saturday?
A: No, Scheffler had a slow start to his third round, making four consecutive pars.
Q: What happened to Matthieu Pavon?
A: Matthieu Pavon missed the cut after consecutive double-bogeys.
Q: Where does Adrien Saddier stand in the tournament?
A: Adrien Saddier is currently at -3 and made the cut.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Ryo Hisatsune’s performance. His recent form and position in the Aon Swing 5 standings suggest he’s a player to watch.
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