Hideki Matsuyama faced challenging times during the first half of The Players Championship held at TPC Sawgrass, Florida, but showed resilience by recovering his game as the rounds progressed. On March 13, 2025, Matsuyama couldn’t control his shots effectively, ending the first round with a score of 74, placing him provisionally at 99th position.
Starting his round at 8:24 AM, Matsuyama quickly found himself on the back foot. He recorded a double bogey on the par-5 11th hole, where his attempts went awry after hitting the left rough, then the left bunker, and finally landing his third shot in the water, resulting in significant early scoring setbacks. This misfortune reflected on his front nine, which included more mistakes leading him to finish with a disappointing half of 41.
Despite these struggles, Matsuyama didn't fold easily; he made strides during the second half of his first round by converting on birdie opportunities. Over the next few holes, he managed to recover somewhat—he scored his first birdie on the par-5 16th and contributed to his tally with additional birdies on the 7th and 9th holes thanks to remarkably skillful putts.
Reflecting on his play, Matsuyama noted, "I couldn’t control my shots well at all. It's been hard, but I am determined to fix it for tomorrow." His determination was evident as he adjusted his strategy to regain confidence on the green.
On the second day of play, March 14, Matsuyama found himself still under pressure but with renewed vigor. Recording a score of 70 during the second round, Matsuyama showcased improved performance on the greens. His artfully executed shots and enhanced composure helped him avoid drastic mistakes unlike the prior day.
While his efforts were notable, they weren’t enough to push him past the cut line, as he finished just shy of the qualifying score needed to continue competing. Entering the final day of competition, Matsuyama’s provisional place remained at 99th, still trailing the leader by eight strokes. Two years prior, he famously turned around from similar placements to finish 5th overall against the same tournament backdrop.
Matsuyama’s experience exemplifies the unpredictable nature of golf at the highest level, where one miscalculated shot can dramatically influence performance. Yet, amid the scrutiny, Matsuyama has the backing of his supporters, who remain hopeful for his comeback. The steadfast nature of his playing style adapts as he leans on his renowned skills and determination.