Hideki Matsuyama made headlines as he clinched the Sentry Tournament of Champions with a remarkable 35-under-par score, setting a new PGA Tour record. His performance not only secured his victory but also surpassed the previous record of 34-under-par held by Justin Thomas and Ernie Els. Matsuyama's triumph came by a margin of three shots over Collin Morikawa, who finished the tournament at 32-under 260.
The event, renowned for its $20 million purse, attracted top players and showcased Matsuyama's exceptional skill. Despite feeling unwell leading into the season opener and having limited practice days, he displayed remarkable resilience on the course. His extraordinary performance included an eagle on the third hole, where he holed out from an impressive 107 yards.
Matsuyama's dominance was evident throughout the tournament, as he made only one bogey over his final 59 holes. His consistency allowed him to expand his lead after Morikawa faced challenges, including consecutive three-putts that shifted momentum in Matsuyama's favor. The Japanese golfer's 35th hole birdie or better further highlighted his exceptional play, breaking the previous record set by Cameron Smith in 2022 and Sungjae Im at Kapalua last year.
With this victory, Matsuyama secured his 11th career win and earned a substantial $3.6 million, bringing his career earnings to over $60 million. He also became the seventh player in history to win both Hawaii tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule, joining an elite group of golfers.
In reflecting on his performance, Matsuyama noted the importance of his putting game. "I used the putter for the first here," he stated, emphasizing how critical it was to his success. Morikawa acknowledged Matsuyama's strong play, commenting, "He was matching me yesterday shot for shot," illustrating the competitive nature of their matchup.
The Sentry Tournament of Champions is a signature event that draws attention from fans and players alike. Matsuyama’s record-breaking score not only cements his place in PGA Tour history but also sets a high bar for future competitors. As golf enthusiasts celebrate this achievement, Matsuyama’s journey continues to inspire many aspiring golfers around the world.
Leave a Reply