Hideki Matsuyama opened the new PGA Tour season with an extraordinary performance at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, setting a new record by finishing at 35-under 257. This remarkable achievement broke the PGA Tour record for 72 holes, a feat previously held by Cameron Smith. Matsuyama’s consistency was evident as he made only one bogey over the final 59 holes, showcasing his exceptional skills and composure on the course. Using a newly acquired center-shafted putter, Matsuyama delivered a masterclass performance that ended with a spectacular wedge shot to four feet on the 16th hole, effectively securing his victory.
Collin Morikawa finished three shots behind Matsuyama, closing with a 67 to reach 32-under 260. Sungjae Im also exhibited strong performance, finishing alone in third place with a closing score of 65, earning $1.36 million. Matsuyama's tournament triumph marked his 11th career PGA Tour win, adding $3.6 million to his earnings and pushing his career total over $60 million. This victory also marked Matsuyama's third PGA Tour win in the past ten months, all against formidable fields.
Matsuyama's performance was characterized by his ability to capitalize on birdie opportunities. He set a new record for most holes at birdie or better, achieving this on 35 holes, surpassing Cameron Smith's previous record at Kapalua in 2022. The new center-shafted putter, which Matsuyama received shortly after Christmas, played an integral role in his success.
"I used the putter for the first here," – Hideki Matsuyama
The Japanese golfer expressed his gratitude in his native language after his victory.
"Otoshidama arigato gozaimasu." – Hideki Matsuyama
His performance culminated in a decisive moment on the 16th hole, where he effectively ended the tournament with a birdie. This shot was a testament to his precision and ability to perform under pressure.
Morikawa, who finished second, reflected on the tournament's competitive nature.
"That last putt, it felt like if I make it, then it's going to be the record," – Collin Morikawa
"So I'm so happy that it went in." – Collin Morikawa
Despite falling short of the title, Morikawa's performance remained commendable.
Sungjae Im also demonstrated impressive skill throughout the tournament. His consistent play earned him a solo third-place finish and a generous prize, further establishing his reputation on the PGA Tour.
Matsuyama's latest victory not only added to his growing list of achievements but also positioned him for potential further success. He now has the opportunity to join the ranks of Justin Thomas and Ernie Els as one of the few players to win both the Sentry and Sony Open tournaments. This prospect highlights Matsuyama's potential to continue making significant strides in professional golf.
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