Stroke of Genius Secures Play-Off Success for Hideki

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States: Hideki Matsuyama delivered a grandstand finish in a play-off against Russell Henley to lift his career eighth title at the Sony Open.

In so doing, the two-time former Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) winner equalled KJ Choi’s record of total victories by an Asian golfer on the PGA Tour.

The 29-year Japanese rallied from five strokes back with nine holes remaining at Waialae Country Club to tie overnight leader Henley on 23-under 257 in regulation play.

He then thumped a spectacular three-wood approach from 276 yards on the 18th hole to inside of three feet for his winning eagle in extra time as Henley struggled home with a bogey.

Matsuyama, who posted a final round seven-under 63, couldn’t see his approach which soared into the skies and against a setting sun. But the roars of approval from the crowds around the green was enough indication to know he had delivered the knockout punch.

“To be honest, I didn’t even see it,” said Matsuyama. “But everybody started cheering and I knew it was good.”

His third victory in nine months – Matsuyama won the Masters Tournament for his first Major title last April and the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP at home in October – pushed him to top spot in the latest FedEx Cup standings, and made him only the second Japanese winner at the Sony Open after Isao Aoki’s historic feat in 1983.

He is projected to move up to 10th place on the Official World Golf Ranking, the first time back among the top-10 since 2018.

After Henley found a fairway trap at the play-off hole, Matsuyama seized his moment with a drive that split the fairway. He followed up with a precise second to close the deal. “It was a perfect number for me for a cut three-wood, 276 yards left to right, following wind. I knew the green was soft enough to hold it, and I was able to pull it off,” he said.

“Russell was playing so beautifully the front nine, but at the turn I was thinking: ‘He can’t keep this up, can he?’ I was able to birdie 10 and then a two-shot swing at 11 and then the game was on again. I was five back but I just put my head down and I was playing pretty well. I was three-under at the time, so I figured if I could make a few more birdies maybe I can get back into it.”

He credited strong support from the galleries, which included a large number of Japanese fans, for pulling him through when he had his back against the wall. “Even at the turn when I was five back, I could hear the cheers from my countrymen. That really spurred me on,” said Matsuyama.

“I feel great. To be able to win back-to-back with ZOZO and here at the Sony, especially on a course that I haven’t really played that well. It’s a tough golf course for me. So I’m extra happy because of that.”

Winning a historic first Masters title last year – his first win in nearly six years on Tour and the first Japanese to wear the green jacket – eased the weight on his shoulders and Matsuyama said he has been able to freewheel his game since the breakthrough. “It has because the pressure of not winning a Major has gone,” said Matsuyama.

His success on the holiday isle was largely due to him enjoying a career best putting week where he gained 7.264 strokes over the field as he took his place alongside Korean legend Choi as Asians with most wins on Tour. Choi’s eighth title was achieved in 2011.

Henley, who held the second and third round leads, seemed to be in control in his quest for a second Sony title and fourth PGA Tour victory following a brilliant outward 29 with four birdies and one eagle.

However, the birdies dried up on the inward stretch and a bogey on 11 left the door ajar for Matsuyama. Henley still had a chance to win outright on the 72nd hole but missed his 10-foot birdie chance as he posted a final round 65.

“I thought I’d won the tournament. Thought I hit a great putt,” said Henley, who was victorious at the tournament in 2013. “He just played incredible golf today. I wish I could have put some more pressure on him. Tough to beat three-wood to two feet on 18.”

China’s Li Haotong, playing on a sponsor exemption, closed with a 69 to share 12th place on 265, while Japan’s Keita Nakajima, number one in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and reigning AAC winner, signed off with a 67 to end 41st on 270.