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The 2025 PGA Tour season couldn't get off to a stronger start. The New Year's resolutions immediately implemented by Hideki Matsuyama during the Sentry allowed him to set the record for the lowest score on the American circuit (-35) as well as the 11th success of his career.
In the absence of last season's undisputed champion Scottie Scheffler for the start of the 2025 season on the PGA Tourthe fate of this Sentry in Hawaii seemed quite undecided. A few multi-winners from the previous year acted as favorites but without one name standing out in particular. But that was before a masterclass signed Hideki Matsuyama.
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The Japanese, already a double winner in the Signature Event last season, not only outclassed the XXL competition made up of the 60 best players from last season to win the first tournament of the season, but he also offered himself after a golfing demonstration of 4 days the record for the lowest score on the PGA Tour. A total of -35 over the week to clear the shelves on -34 of Cam Smith in 2022, and become the sole record holder when seeking his 11th career title.
« I knew that last three-meter putt would give me the record, so I'm very happy I did it. I had a very good preparation period which allowed me to start the season very strong, so I am very satisfied » declared the Japanese, flower necklace around his neck on the 18th green.
Matsuyama in his imperial garden
When his body deigns to leave him alone, and he finds the right tool on the greens (he travels every week with 4 different putters), Matsuyama is capable of winning anywhere, and in front of anyone. And this week went in that direction again, nothing and no one seemed to be able to get in his way. Three 65 (-8) and a 62 (-11) on Saturday were more than enough to win with a three-shot lead over Collin Morikawa.
In total this week, Emperor Matsuyama rewarded the Hawaiian public with 33 birdies and 2 eagles (including this one above on Sunday) against two small bogeys on the 72 holes of the Kapalua Plantation Race. A demonstration of force which of course allows him to take the head of the Fedex Cup as the first winner of the season but above all to enter the top 5 in the world again, very close to his best career ranking (2nd in 2017).
Pavon finally finds the rhythm
Every day in Kapalua, Matthew Pavon took stock of what was missing to compete with the best to start this season. This Sunday he will undoubtedly find nothing to complain about his very good performance. A final card of 68 (-5), the best of his week, gives him 48th final place.
Finally in rhythm on the greens, and author of 5 birdies and an eagle on Sunday, the Bordelais concludes his first of the season on a good note and will leave Hawaii with confidence. A state to be transcribed next week in Abu Dhabi where his performance will be scrutinized with interest during the Team Cup by the captain of Ryder Cup 2025, Luke Donald.
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