KAPALUA, Hawaii — Hideki Matsuyama kicked off the new season with an impressive performance, setting multiple PGA Tour records while displaying a notably composed demeanor. At The Sentry, he played exceptionally well, achieving a score of 35-under par, marking both a personal and tour milestone with an incredible total of 35 holes at birdie or better.
Matsuyama only showed his joy after making his last birdie on the 18th green, when caddie Shota Hayafuji shared a few encouraging words. He expressed his gratitude in Japanese, thanking for a customary New Year’s gift that symbolizes luck and prosperity, reflecting on his victory that has earned him $3.6 million from this, his 11th win on the tour.
Throughout the four-day tournament on the Plantation Course, which was unusually calm due to minimal wind, Matsuyama showcased exceptional skill, only recording one bogey across the last 59 holes, resulting in a final score of 35-under 257. Leading by one shot heading into the final round, he made a remarkable eagle from 107 yards on the third hole, extending his advantage when competitor Collin Morikawa faced troubles with three-putts, including a par and a bogey.
Matsuyama finished the round with an impressive 8-under 65, a strong start to the season he himself had not anticipated. The 32-year-old golfer had only a few practice days leading up to the tournament due to health issues, including sores in his mouth. On a spontaneous decision, he switched to a newly acquired center-shafted putter just days after Christmas.
“The first time I used it was here,” Matsuyama commented through his interpreter. When asked about the putter’s effectiveness, he replied, “I’m not sure, but it went in.” His final putt not only solidified his victory but also etched his name into the record books. He was uncertain if 34-under was previously the record for 72 holes but felt a sense of accomplishment with that last putt. “It felt like if I make it, then it’s going to be the record,” he remarked, expressing his delight as it sunk into the cup.
The record-breaking performance overtook Cameron Smith’s 34-under par set during the 2022 tournament, marking Matsuyama’s achievement of 35 holes scored at birdie or better, surpassing the previous record. Morikawa acknowledged Matsuyama’s consistency, noting they both distinguished themselves from the rest of the field by firing 62s in the third round.
“Today he just never let up,” Morikawa said, recognizing the challenge he faced to keep up with Matsuyama’s pace. Although Morikawa finished the tournament strongly with a 67, ending at 32-under 260, it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
Over the past 10 months, Matsuyama has recorded three victories, all within competitive settings, including prestigious events at Riviera last February and in the first FedEx Cup playoff in August. His success has currently elevated him to the No. 5 spot in the world rankings.
Matsuyama gained an early edge with his eagle on the third hole, where he executed a superb sand wedge shot that landed perfectly for the hole-in-one. His reaction to the crowd’s excitement was subtle yet telling, reflecting the methodical approach he adopted throughout the event.
Despite Morikawa’s determination to stay within reach, a three-putt on the fifth from 60 feet placed him four behind. Morikawa managed to recover with birdies on the 14th and 15th, narrowing the deficit to two, but Matsuyama sealed his victory with another birdie on the 16th hole.
The Sentry is known for its substantial prize purse of $20 million, and Matsuyama’s winnings have now pushed his career earnings beyond the $60 million mark. Sungjae Im finished strongly as well, carding a 65 to secure third place, earning $1.36 million. Matsuyama joins an elite group as the seventh player to win both Hawaii tournaments on the PGA Tour, with aspirations to replicate that success in the upcoming Sony Open.
Taylor Pendrith delivered a stunning moment during the tournament when he recorded an albatross with a 6-iron from 200 yards on the par-5 fifth hole, marking the first of its kind on the course since the event’s relocation to Kapalua in 1999. “As soon as I hit it, I knew it was going to be really good,” Pendrith reflected on the exciting experience.
