Hideki Matsuyama sets record in win at PGA Tour opener
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama set a new PGA Tour record with a 72-hole score of 35 under in the season opener at The Sentry in Hawaii.
The 2021 Masters champion shot a final-round 65 to make history at Kapalua Plantation Course.
He broke Cameron Smith’s previous record of 34 under par set in 2022 on the same course.
Matsuyama shot 8 under in the fourth round, including an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey, and the 32-year-old birdied the 18th hole to beat Smith. record.
“The last putt, it felt like if I made it, it would be a record, so I’m glad it went in,” Matsuyama said through a translator.
“I had a great offseason and got a fresh start this week and played well, so it’s a good start.”
American Collin Morikawa, one shot behind Matsuyama in the final round, finished second at 32 under after a final-round 67.
“He (Matsuyama) never lets up,” Morikawa said. “I just knew I had to take control and just let something slip on the front nine.
“Just looking through the footage I left behind, there’s a lot of footage I wish I could come back to.
“I knew there were a lot of positives, but it would take me a few hours or a day to get over it.”
England’s Harry Hall finished at 23 under, while compatriots Aaron Rai and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre were two shots behind.
