Hideki Matsuyama made history with his electrifying performance at the Sentry Tournament of Champions held on January 5, 2023, at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. The Japanese golfer not only clinched his first title of the year but also set the PGA Tour record for the lowest total score at the tournament, finishing at an astonishing 35 under par.
Starting the final round as the sole leader, Matsuyama showcased his remarkable skill with one eagle, seven birdies, and just one bogey, carding a 65. His final tally of 257 strokes over the course of the tournament beat runner-up Colin Morikawa by three strokes, with Morikawa finishing at 32 under par. Korea’s Im Sung-jae secured third place, ending the tournament six shots behind Matsuyama.
Matsuyama’s victory marks his 11th on the PGA Tour, making him the golfer with the most wins among Japanese players—an achievement he expressed pride over. "It feels great to set this record," Matsuyama remarked during the post-match interviews, encapsulating the significance of this milestone.
The day started with palpable excitement as Matsuyama began the round just one stroke clear of Morikawa. Early on, Matsuyama's confidence shone through with his eagle on the third hole, where he sunk his second shot from 104 yards just sharply bouncing on the green and rolling directly to the cup.
Meanwhile, Morikawa, who later watched Matsuyama extend his lead, fell behind after suffering difficulties on the fifth and sixth holes with three-putts for par, solidifying Matsuyama's control of the match. "It was amazing to watch him play. 35 under is just incredible," Morikawa admitted, highlighting the awe surrounding Matsuyama's performance.
Despite the pressure of his closely positioned competitors, Matsuyama maintained his composure. He managed to bounce back from his first boody on the 7th hole with remarkable focus, carding birdies at the 8th and 9th holes. The tournament system this year allowed the top 50 point earners and 24 prior winners to compete without the worry of missing the cut, intensifying the competition's stakes.
Throughout the early rounds of the Sentry, Matsuyama had already begun to showcase his strong gameplay, finishing the first round just one shot off the lead. By the second round, he had ascended to the top position and sustained it, maintaining his edge through exemplary performances, including nailing 11 birdies by the end of the third round. "I just have to play well, really," he told reporters, showcasing his grounded perspective even under substantial pressure.
The Sentry Tournament of Champions victory not only enhances Matsuyama's reputation on the PGA Tour but also signifies his relentless pursuit of excellence and ambition for future tournaments. Fans worldwide are eager to see how this historic win spurs his performance throughout the rest of the season.