Chris Gotterup beat Hideki Matsuyama in a sudden-death playoff Sunday to win the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona. The victory marked his fourth PGA Tour title and second this season. Gotterup pocketed about $1.7 million from the event. That payout propelled him ahead of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler atop the season money list.

Hours after his triumph, the 26-year-old received a video message from two NBA standouts with Oklahoma ties. Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves and former All-Star Blake Griffin both offered words for the fast-rising golfer. The PGA Tour posted the clip on X.

Reaves kept it simple. “Just continue doing what you’re doing,” he said. “(Getting) two wins out of three tournaments is pretty special.” Griffin chimed in with a twist. “Whatever you do, don’t listen to us,” he joked.

Gotterup, who attended the University of Oklahoma for one year, lit up when asked about the gesture. “That’s funny. That’s awesome,” he said. “They’ve actually both been reaching out to me and stuff, so it’s cool.” He feels a strong connection to the school despite his short stint there. “Even though I went to OU for one year, it feels like I went there for all four (years),” Gotterup added.

The golfer gave props to both players’ games on the course. Reaves “got game,” Gotterup said. He wants to tee it up with him someday. Griffin earned praise too. Gotterup called his swing solid.

Gotterup’s hot streak shows no signs of cooling. He has won two of his last three starts. Earlier this year, he took the Myrtle Beach Classic. Beating Matsuyama, a former Masters champion, in playoff fashion cements his arrival among golf’s elite. His ball-striking and putting have dazzled in recent weeks.

Oklahoma pride runs deep in this exchange. Reaves, a Norman native, starred at OU before entering the NBA. Griffin spent one college season there too, dazzling with dunks before going pro. Their support highlights Gotterup’s growing profile beyond golf circles.

Gotterup ranks inside the top 30 in the Official World Golf Ranking after Phoenix. He eyes more big checks and trophies as the season rolls on. When NBA stars take notice, it signals a player on the cusp of stardom.