Hideki and CT Strike Form at Silverado

Napa, California, United States: Masters Tournament champion Hideki Matsuyama and CT Pan made bright starts to the 2021-22 PGA Tour season.

Japan's Matsuyama fired his low round of the week with a six-under 66 highlighted by an eagle on the last hole to finish tied sixth in the season-opening Fortinet Championship.

Chinese Taipei's Pan tied his Presidents Cup International team-mate with a closing 69 to record his best start to a season since his Tour debut during the 2016-17 season.

American Max Homa claimed a thrilling one-stroke victory thanks to a closing 65 to secure his third career win ahead of Maverick McNealy.

A bogey-free round which also featured four birdies at Silverado Resort and Spa North marked Matsuyama’s 18th consecutive round of par or better, the longest active streak by a player on the PGA Tour.

The 29-year-old Matsuyama was delighted with his performance and is looking to add to his six wins on Tour. “It was a great finish to the week. I hope I can finish more tournaments that way moving forward,” said the two-time former Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner, who sank a 12-footer on the 18th green for his eagle.

He made birdies on the fifth, 12th, 16th and 17th from close range, thanks to some magnificent ball striking which saw him rank third in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green for the week.

He ranked tied 57th in Strokes Gained: Putting, a marked improvement from last season’s statistic where he was 175th on the greens. “My tee shots felt good and I was really happy with that. I’d love to sneak another win in there,” said Matsuyama.

After two days of being bogey-free, Pan dropped three shots in the final round but six birdies on the card helped him enjoy his best finish in four appearances at Silverado.

“I played solid. It’s good to be back in contention. We thrive for this and it’s a great feeling. It’s a good start for me this season,” said Pan, who partnered Matsuyama in the 2019 Presidents Cup four-ball sessions, securing two wins from two matches.

The top-10 marked Pan’s best result when starting a new season which he hopes will provide momentum in chasing down a second PGA Tour victory. His sole win came at the 2019 RBC Heritage. He finished 121st in the FedEx Cup standings last season.

“Very crucial,” said Pan of the importance of a good start to the season. “The fall events are not necessarily easier but definitely gettable to get your scoring going. It can set up a nice pace for the rest of the season,” he added.

Korean Kim Si-woo birdied his closing three holes for a 70 to finish tied 11th.