The WM Phoenix Open delivered an intense playoff, but the real drama unfolded in the background, where a crucial race was quietly taking place. This tournament decided the fate of five players who would earn their way into the prestigious Aon Swing 5, a coveted opportunity to compete in the next two Signature Events on the PGA TOUR.
The stakes were high, and the competition was fierce. Here's how it all played out:
The Aon Swing 5 Race:
The 2026 PGA TOUR season kicked off with a bang, and the WM Phoenix Open was the final piece of the puzzle to determine the Aon Swing 5. The top five non-exempt players in FedExCup points during this initial stretch secured their spots in the upcoming Signature Events: the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational.
And the winners are...
1. Pierceson Coody, the rising star from Texas, claimed the top spot with a remarkable start to the season. He bounced back from a challenging rookie year in 2024, where he missed five cuts in a row, by returning to the Korn Ferry Tour and rediscovering his form. Now, with three consecutive top-20 finishes, including a close second at the Farmers Insurance Open, Coody is poised for greatness.
Ryo Hisatsune, the 23-year-old Japanese sensation, secured the second spot. Hisatsune narrowly kept his PGA TOUR card last fall, and now he's on his way to the biggest stages of the early season. Playing alongside his idol Hideki Matsuyama in the final group on Saturday was a dream come true.
Jake Knapp grabbed the third position with a solid performance in Scottsdale, ensuring his place at Pebble Beach and Riviera.
Matt McCarty and 5. Patrick Rodgers rounded out the top five, both surviving a tight race. McCarty, with a runner-up finish at The American Express, and Rodgers, with a third-place finish at the Sony Open, showcased their resilience.
But here's where it gets controversial:
Just outside the top five, some big names fell short. Sahith Theegala, a California native recovering from a neck injury, was on track until a closing bogey pushed him out of the standings. However, he received a sponsor exemption into Pebble Beach, a well-deserved opportunity. Michael Thorbjornsen and Nicolai Højgaard needed exceptional performances to make it, and while they came close, it wasn't enough.
The Aon Swing 5 has been decided, and these players are ready to make their mark on the Signature Events. Will they live up to the hype? Only time will tell. What do you think about the outcome? Is there a player you believe should have made the cut? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
