CHRIS GOTTERUP - GRITTY!

JUL 13, 2025 - Chris Gotterup’s breakout win at the 2025 Scottish Open was the definition of clutch golf with a side of swagger. Starting Sunday tied with Rory McIlroy, Gotterup shook off an opening bogey to shoot a gutsy 4-under 66, finishing at 15-under and outdueling the four-time major champ by two strokes for his biggest PGA Tour win yet.

The turning point? Two birdies that screamed confidence. On the par-3 12th, Gotterup hit it to tap-in range, then drilled a 10-footer on 16 to re-establish a two-shot cushion. McIlroy, a fan favorite and Masters champ earlier this year, couldn’t keep pace as he failed to make a single birdie on his back nine and stalled out when it mattered most.

This wasn’t a fluke. Gotterup lit up the course with a second-round 61 that tied the record and gave him the 36-hole lead. And while other contenders like Jake Knapp faded late (shot 74 after a double on 9), Gotterup stayed steady, tough, and fearless.

Not only did the win vault Gotterup into the FedEx Cup top 30 and the world top 50, it punched his ticket to the 2025 Masters and British Open!  A huge leap for a guy who’d missed 8 of 12 cuts this season and had no top-10s coming in.

From under the radar to center stage, Gotterup proved he’s not just a bomber with a beard...he’s a gamer. Now a two-time PGA Tour winner (the other being Myrtle Beach in 2024), he’s officially on the radar, and golf fans better take notice. This wasn’t just a win, it was a statement.

5 FUN GOLFER FACTS ABOUT THE 2025 GENESIS SCOTTISH OPEN

• This is GOTTERUP'S 2nd PGA win in his 62nd start at the age of 25 years, 11 months and 23 days

• Gotterup's win came with the help of a personal-best AND course record tying 9-under 61 during the second round

• In his last 57 starts, he only has 2 top-10 finishes, but both of those were wins

• NICO ECHAVARRIA (T22) aced the par-3 sixth hole for not only his second hole-in-one on the TOUR, but he also took home a Genesis GV60 for with that one swing

4 FUN GOLFER FACTS ABOUT CHRIS GOTTERUP

• Gotterup played lacrosse for 12 years before focusing on golf, but he credits these years for helping develop his power swing

• Not to be outdone, Gotterup's sister also plays lacrosse at the U.S. Naval Academy

• Born and raised in New Jersey, he is a big fan of the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Devils

• Golf runs in his family as his father, Morten, is also a golfer and has five New Jersey State Golf Association victories under his belt