Hideki Matsuyama kicked off the 2025 PGA Tour season in historic fashion, delivering a dominant performance at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii. The 32-year-old Japanese star finished at 35-under par, setting new PGA Tour records for the lowest score relative to par and most holes at birdie or better (35). With an 8-under 65 final round, Matsuyama claimed a three-shot victory over Collin Morikawa and took home a $3.6 million prize, pushing his career earnings past $60 million.
A Methodical Approach and a Moment of Magic
Matsuyama’s win was a masterclass in consistency and precision. Over four days, he made just one bogey—highlighting his steady nerves and mechanical approach. Despite his calm demeanor throughout the tournament, Matsuyama flashed a rare smile on the 18th green when his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, congratulated him in Japanese, saying, “Otoshidama arigato gozaimasu”—a New Year’s wish for luck and prosperity.
The highlight of Matsuyama’s performance came early in the final round when he holed out from 107 yards for an eagle on the par-4 third hole. That shot widened his lead, especially after Morikawa faltered with back-to-back three-putts. Matsuyama’s wedge game continued to shine, setting up a crucial birdie on the 16th hole that effectively sealed the victory.
“I used the putter for the first time here,” Matsuyama said, referring to a last-minute switch to a center-shafted putter he received just days before the event. “I’m not sure why it worked so well, but it went in.”
Morikawa’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
Morikawa, who matched Matsuyama’s stunning third-round 62, kept the pressure on but couldn’t overcome early mistakes in the final round. Three-putts on the fifth and sixth holes left him playing catch-up, even as he rallied late with birdies on the 14th and 15th holes. Morikawa ultimately shot 67, finishing three shots back at 32-under 260.
“He just never let up,” Morikawa said, acknowledging Matsuyama’s near-flawless performance. “To win on a course like this, in conditions like this, you’ve got to have it for 72 holes. And I had it for 65.”
New Records and Career Milestones
Matsuyama’s 35-under total broke Cameron Smith’s previous record of 34-under par at Kapalua in 2022. He also set a new mark for the most holes at birdie or better in a single PGA Tour event, surpassing records held by Smith and Sungjae Im.
The victory marks Matsuyama’s 11th career PGA Tour title and his third win in the last 10 months, following triumphs at Riviera and the FedEx Cup playoffs. It also boosts him to No. 5 in the world rankings.
Other Highlights: Pendrith’s Albatross and Im’s Solid Finish
Taylor Pendrith stole a moment of spotlight with a rare albatross on the par-5 fifth hole, holing out a 6-iron from 200 yards—only the first albatross recorded at Kapalua since the tournament moved there in 1999.
Sungjae Im, meanwhile, capped off a solid week, finishing alone in third at 27-under 265 after a final-round 65. The result earned him $1.36 million.
What’s Next for Matsuyama?
Matsuyama now sets his sights on the Sony Open in Honolulu, where he’ll aim to complete the Hawaiian sweep. Only Justin Thomas (2017) and Ernie Els (2003) have won both Hawaiian tournaments in the same year—a feat Matsuyama has the chance to match.
With this emphatic victory, Matsuyama has sent a clear message: the new season has arrived, and he’s ready to dominate.
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