Matsuyama Reaches 11th Tour Win

In the final round of the Hero World Challenge, Hideki Matsuyama overcame conditions and even a challenge from the great Tiger Woods. Arguably the best to ever play in Woods, changed Matsuyama ahead of his playoff holes to shoot 10 under. A challenge by all means, but also key advice in what he thought could separate Matsuyama from Alex Noren. The 11 time PGA Tour winner wasn’t able to follow exactly, but finished close enough shooting nine under par and securing the tournament victory. 

Back In Winning Column

This win was the first for Matsuyama and his camp, since his star studded showing at the Sentry in January. The final round of the Hero World Challenge, was by far the strongest for the veteran on Tour since 2014. Making five birdies on the front nine holes, then coming away with an eagle 2 at the tenth hole.

“It was a very tough season for me,” Matsuyama said. “I talked to my swing coach in Japan, every night and I was just able to play great.”

It was then Matsuyama was faced with the tough Noren, who was also trending in the right direction. Noren was able to force the playoff holes, with birdies on three holes 15,16, and the 18th. When faced back at the 18th to start the playoff battle, Matsuyama delivered right away. Coming out with a flagged 9-iron from 166 yards, all the way to an eye-opening three feet. Noren had an opportunity to knock in a birdie, missed and left the door wide open for Matsuyama to benefit off the mistake. The Tournament came to an end with the set up birdie, taking home a grand amount of $1 million from the $5 million purse total.