A Father’s Bet, a 13-Year Wait, Chris Gotterup’s Dream Comes Full Circle at Pebble Beach
Chris Gotterup USA, OCTOBER 9, 2025 - Golf : Baycurrent Classic Presented by LEXUS 1st round at Yokohama Country Club, Kanagawa, Japan. Noxthirdxpartyxsales PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPN aflo_306639528
Chris Gotterup USA, OCTOBER 9, 2025 - Golf : Baycurrent Classic Presented by LEXUS 1st round at Yokohama Country Club, Kanagawa, Japan. Noxthirdxpartyxsales PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxJPN aflo_306639528
A bet with his father became the reason Chris Gotterup first stepped onto Pebble Beach Golf Links.
In a press conference on Wednesday, the 2026 WM Phoenix Open winner Chris Gotterup shared a memory from his early years in golf and recalled the bet his father made with him.
“My dad had a bet when I was growing up that once I broke par, he would take me out of here.”
Gotterup broke par for the first time at age 13, shooting a 2-under 69 at Rumson Country Club in New Jersey.
As a result, “ We came, I don't know how many years ago it was, but we came then, my brother and I, and my dad played.” Gotterup’s father, Morten Gotterup, honored the promise and took him to Pebble Beach.
During their first visit to Pebble Beach Golf Links, Chris Gotterup traveled with his father, Morten, and his brother, Patrick. The two brothers grew up in Little Silver, New Jersey, in a family involved in sports.
During that trip, Gotterup later recalled a moment when Patrick’s putt on the 18th hole reached the edge of the hole and did not fall. Patrick dropped to his knees, and Chris kept a video of the moment.
Gotterup said, “It was my first time being a decent player and getting to play a place like this and enjoying it rather than being a young kid and not really knowing what you're doing. I was able to appreciate the history and the greatness of this place.”
More than a decade later, Gotterup returned to Pebble Beach as part of the 80-man field.
Chris Gotterup Returns to Pebble Beach Years
Chris Gotterup is competing in his first AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the opening signature event of the 2026 PGA Tour season.
After moving to No. 5 in the Official World Golf Ranking, he entered the 80-man field among the leading contenders.
Gotterup opened the tournament on Thursday with an 8-under 64 at Pebble Beach Golf Links, placing him tied for fourth, two shots behind leader Ryo Hisatsune.
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Written by
Aditi Singh
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu