Hisatsune leads WM Phoenix Open after 63; Matsuyama one back following six-birdie surge Friday

Japanese duo sets the pace after two rounds at TPC Scottsdale

Ryo Hisatsune moved to the top of the WM Phoenix Open leaderboard on Friday, shooting a bogey-free 8-under 63 to reach 11-under par through 36 holes at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course. Hideki Matsuyama, a two-time winner of the event, sits one stroke behind after a 7-under 64 that featured a decisive run of six consecutive birdies.

The second round unfolded in contrasting waves: Matsuyama posted his number in the morning, briefly taking the lead at 10-under, before Hisatsune’s afternoon charge edged him in front. With two rounds complete, Pierceson Coody and Chris Gotterup were tied for third at 8-under, keeping a crowded chase group within striking distance heading into the weekend.

Matsuyama’s “birdie binge” changes the shape of his tournament

Matsuyama’s 64 was built on sustained pressure across the closing stretch of his round. After opening with a steady start, he produced six straight birdies spanning his back nine, a sequence that vaulted him up the board and reinforced his long track record of scoring at TPC Scottsdale. He ultimately signed for 10-under par overall through two days.

Hisatsune’s finishing run: eagle, birdies and a key chip-in

Hisatsune’s round was defined by a back-nine surge that flipped the tournament lead. After turning in control, he accelerated over a five-hole burst that included birdies at holes 13 and 14, an eagle on the par-5 15th, and birdies at 16 and 17. The sequence was punctuated on the short par-4 17th, where his attempt to drive the green found water before he chipped in for birdie.

At 23, Hisatsune is seeking his first PGA Tour victory and will carry a narrow advantage into moving day, where leaderboard position is expected to remain volatile given the number of players clustered within a few shots of the lead.

Cutline drama: Scheffler advances; Koepka departs

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler ensured he would play the weekend by responding to an opening 73 with a second-round 65, moving to 4-under par and extending his active streak of made cuts on the PGA Tour. Brooks Koepka, also a two-time champion in Phoenix, missed the cut after following a 75 with a 69 to finish at 2-over par.

• Leader (36 holes): Ryo Hisatsune, 11-under

• Second: Hideki Matsuyama, 10-under

• Tied third: Pierceson Coody, Chris Gotterup, 8-under

Through two rounds, the WM Phoenix Open has been shaped by extended scoring bursts rather than incremental gains, setting up a weekend where momentum and course management could decide the title.