No one could catch Scottie Scheffler at Royal Portrush as the World No.1 positively cruised towards a maiden Open Championship title this week – not even the in-form Chris Gotterup.
A product of the American college system who graduated through the Korn Ferry Tour before landing his debut PGA Tour title at the 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic, Gotterup won the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open prior to joining Harris English in the third-last group at The Open.
The American was largely unknown before setting foot in the British Isles earlier in the month, but two sensational performances have catapulted him into the public domain and dramatically altered his career trajectory.
A 12-under total was good enough for solo third at Royal Portrush, with scores of 72, 65 68 and 67 leaving just Scheffler and English above him on the leaderboard.
Although he won’t experience all the perks of winning The Open, here are all of the things Gotterup will gain as a result of his fantastic week.
Spot At The 154th Open Championship
The 10th hole at Royal Portrush
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Gotterup’s third-place finish in Northern Ireland – achieved on his Open debut – has banked him a guaranteed place at next year’s final men’s Major.
The R&A allows places for the leading 10 players and ties to come back for the following Championship, giving Gotterup another chance of experiencing The Open – but this time at Royal Birkdale in north-west England.
The University of Oklahoma alumnus came within five strokes of Scheffler in 2025, but he can start planning for another crack at lifting the Claret Jug in 12 months’ time as a result of a brilliant few days.
SPOT AT THE MASTERS
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Gotterup will make his Masters debut in 2026 following a third-place finish at The Open. Augusta National puts places aside for the four-highest finishers (and ties) at The Open a few months before.
A place at the smallest Major field in the men’s game is one of the most coveted prizes in the game, and the American’s brilliant few days in Northern Ireland has made it happen.
One Of His Biggest Career Paychecks
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When Gotterup arrived in Scotland two weeks ago, he had won $2.7 million across his three years as a pro – not a bad return at all. But, following a $1.58m winner’s…
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