By a Correspondent
Honolulu: Hideki Matsuyama delivered a grandstand finish in a playoff against Russell Henley for a career eighth title at the Sony Open in Hawaii on Sunday.
The Japanese star’s victory at Waialae Country Club helped equal K.J. Choi’s record of total victories by an Asian golfer on the PGA Tour.
Choi’s eighth title was achieved in 2011.
Matsuyama, 29, rallied from five strokes back with nine holes remaining in Honolulu to tie luckless overnight leader Henley (62-63-67-65) 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 (66-65-63-63), who signed for a final round 7-under 63, couldn’t see his approach which soared into the skies and against a setting sun.
The roars of approval from the crowds around the green, however, 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.”
On a roll
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 the top in the latest FedEx Cup standings.
It also 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 on the Official World Golf Ranking, the first time back amongst the top-10 since 2018.
After Henley found a fairway trap in the playoff hole, Matsuyama seized his moment with a perfect drive that split the fairway and then followed up with a precise second to close the deal.
“It was a perfect number for me for a cut 3-wood, 276 yards left to right, follow the 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?
Turn in the tide
“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; It was 3-under at the time, so I figured, well, if I could make a few more birdies maybe I can get back into it.”
He credited the strong support he received from the galleries, which included a large number of Japanese fans, for pulling him through when he had his back against the wall.
“Yeah, 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 with at the Sony, and especially on a course that I haven’t really played that well. It’s a tough golf course for me.
“So I’m extra excited, extra happy because of that.”
Out of luck
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 with a brilliant outward 29 that had four birdies and an eagle.
However, the birdies dried up on the inward stretch and a bogey on 11 left the door ajar for Matsuyama to barge right through.
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 a disappointed 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 3-wood to two feet on 18.” (Courtesy pgatour.com)
Also read: Matsuyama, Im lurk as Cam Smith leads Sentry TOC in Hawaii
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