Chris Gotterup doubled his career earnings with strong play at Scottish, British Opens
Before he left, the 26-year-old New Jersey native had career earnings of $2,768,333. His earnings from the Scottish and British Opens? $2,703,000. Taxes will take a chunk out of that but still a pretty good haul for two weeks of work.
One week after going toe to toe with Rory McIlroy in the final group at the Scottish Open to notch his second PGA Tour victory, Gotterup made his major debut and shot a final-round 4-under 67 at Royal Portrush Golf Club to finish third.
'I expected to play well, but I don't think I expected quite this well," said Gotterup, whose father's parents both hailed from Denmark. "I don't know what's going on over here, but maybe my European blood in me a little bit has come to life,' he said.
Gotterup hadn't recorded a single top-10 finish this season on the PGA Tour prior to his two-week hot streak overseas and had missed nine cuts in 23 starts. So, what's been the difference?
'I don't have an answer. I wish I had it. I would have used it a long time ago,' said Gotterup, who vaulted to No. 27 in the Official World Golf Ranking. 'Just something clicked, and I'm going to ride it as long as I can.'
Color Harris English, who finished second to Scottie Scheffler and was paired with Gotterup on Sunday, impressed.
'He can flight it, he can smash it,' English said. 'I've played in, I don't know, nine or 10 of these and finished 14th (previous best), and for him to first one finish third is pretty incredible. Got a heck of a game, and I know the best is in front of him. I don't know why it took him to long to play well out here.'
All of a sudden, Gotterup has emerged as a potential pick for the U.S. Ryder Cup team.
'It really wasn't ever on my radar. I obviously hoped to play well, and it would be a miracle,' he said. 'I really haven't thought about it one bit. A month ago I really hadn't thought about it at all.'
At No. 22 in the U.S. Ryder Cup points rankings, he's still a longshot but if he can remain hot during the FedEx Cup Playoffs, his length would be an asset and there aren't 12 American golfers playing better than he is right now.
One thing is for sure: having stared down McIlroy last week and more than held his own in his majors debut, Gotterup has got to be on U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley's radar now if he wasn't already.
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