Chris Gotterup: The sleeping star shines after The Open

Awakening Star

Before arriving in Scotland two weeks ago, Chris Gotterup was still a bit of a shadow on the PGA Tour. Not because he was a bad player, but simply because he hadn’t had much of a chance to show it. The 26-year-old golfer only turned professional in 2022 and has only one win on the PGA Tour.

But after two weeks of great competition in the UK, Gotterup is returning to the US as one of the most impressive golfers in the world . His excellent performance at The Open has made him a potential candidate for the US Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black in September.

"I expected to play well, but I didn't think it would be this good," Gotterup said after finishing third at The Open with a total score of -12.

Before his recent trip to Europe, Gotterup had never finished in the top 10 on the PGA Tour in 2025, and had been cut nine times in 23 starts. What changed? “I don’t know what’s going on,” Gotterup laughs. “Maybe my European blood is coming back.” (Both his parents are of Danish descent.)

Gotterup's brilliant form earned praise from his opponents, including Harris English, who was in the same group and finished runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at The Open.

“He has great ball control and hits it hard,” English said. “I’ve played nine or 10 majors and my best finish was 14th, and Gotterup finished third in his first Open. He’s got a great all-round game and I think he’s got a bright future ahead of him. I just don’t understand why it’s taken him until now to shine.”

Two weeks that changed my career

At Royal Portrush, Gotterup shot a final-round 4-under 67 to earn his best major finish. He stayed close to the lead all week (excluding Scheffler, who won by four strokes).

It's worth noting that Gotterup wouldn't even have qualified for The Open if he hadn't won the 2025 Scottish Open a week earlier. The victory left him in tears on the green at the Renaissance Club. It was Gotterup's second PGA Tour title, following his first at the Myrtle Beach Classic last year.

Starting The Open 2025 with a 72 (+1) in the first round, Gotterup quickly returned to the race with a 65 (-6) in the second round, including two eagles. He maintained his form with a 68 (-3) in the third round, and closed the tournament with an impressive final round of 67 (-4).

Two brilliant weeks have transformed Gotterup’s career. Before the Scottish Open, he was ranked 158th in the world. Victory at the Renaissance Club moved him into the top 48, while his performance in Portrush took him to a career-high 30th in the world.

Along with $1.128 million in prize money from The Open, Gotterup's total earnings over the past two weeks have exceeded $2.7 million, nearly equal to all the money he has earned since turning pro.

Ryder Cup: an unexpected dream

As well as improving his ranking and his wallet, Gotterup has also made strides in his Ryder Cup bid. After his victory in Scotland, he jumped 30 places in the Ryder Cup rankings. With a third-place finish at The Open, he broke into the top 22.

Although it is difficult to break into the group of 6 American golfers with official spots, Gotterup can be a potential choice for captain Keegan Bradley in the remaining 6 spots.

For Gotterup himself, things are happening so fast that he can barely process them. “The Ryder Cup was never really in my plans,” he admits. “A month ago I wasn’t even thinking about it. Playing well was good, but thinking about being selected for the team was too far away. Now… I don’t know…”

Whether or not he makes the U.S. team, Chris Gotterup has the golf world talking about him. And if he continues to play like he is, he could make Keegan Bradley's selection easier than ever.