Hideki Matsuyama Sets New PGA Tour Records with Dominant Win at 2025 Sentry Tournament of Champions
KAPALUA, Hawaii – January 5, 2025 – The new year has begun with a remarkable display of skill from Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama, who clinched the title at the 2025 Sentry Tournament of Champions by finishing at an unprecedented 35 under par. This victory not only marks Matsuyama’s 11th career title on the PGA Tour, but also sets the record for the lowest score in relation to par in PGA Tour history, surpassing the previous record of 34 under held by Cameron Smith since 2022.
Historic Performance and Records Broken
Matsuyama’s record-breaking performance unfolded over four rounds at the Plantation Course, where he recorded a staggering 33 birdies and two eagles. These statistics contribute to a new PGA Tour record for the most birdies or better made in a 72-hole tournament, eclipsing the previous record set by Sungjae Im at the 2024 Sentry.
In addition to the scoring records, Matsuyama also improved upon his standing as a 36-hole leader, successfully converting his seventh mid-tournament lead into victory, and reinforcing his reputation for finishing strong when in the lead. This win is his third in the last 16 starts on the PGA Tour and his 20th worldwide victory.
Final Round Highlights
Entering the final round with a one-stroke lead, Matsuyama quickly extended his advantage through birdies and strategic play. While Collin Morikawa initially kept pace, making a birdie of his own early in the round, he struggled during key moments, notably on the greens. After back-to-back bogeys, Morikawa fell to a four-stroke deficit by the front nine, allowing Matsuyama to maintain his control of the tournament.
The turning point came on the par-4 3rd hole, where Matsuyama made a remarkable 106-yard eagle, doubling his lead. Although Morikawa fought back with a birdie on the 14th, Matsuyama effectively sealed his victory with timely birdies on the 16th and final holes.
Challenges for Fellow Competitors
Despite Morikawa’s impressive play throughout the tournament, his struggles with putting on the final day hindered his chances of victory. After missing only two greens in regulation across the initial rounds, he encountered issues on the greens, allowing Matsuyama to pull further ahead. Morikawa’s strong showing culminated in a second-place finish at 32 under, marking his second runner-up result in this event.
Sungjae Im finished in third place at 29 under, highlighting a strong weekend with rounds of 62 and 65, though he expressed disappointment over not converting strong performances into a win, a trend that has plagued him since his last victory in 2021.
Notable Finishes and Future Implications
Among other competitors, Will Zalatoris and Justin Thomas shared the T25 position at 19 under, both experiencing inconsistent rounds. Zalatoris faced challenges with penalties and the putting phase, while Thomas struggled significantly in the early days but improved in the final round with a score of 63.
Matsuyama’s victory at the Sentry not only brings him personal accolades but also raises significant implications for the upcoming PGA Tour season. With the record of 35 under par and his ability to convert leads into victories, Matsuyama has positioned himself as a key player to watch. The season’s early success suggests a strong campaign ahead and sets high expectations among fans and analysts alike.
Conclusion and Significance
Hideki Matsuyama’s exceptional performance at the 2025 Sentry Tournament of Champions encapsulates an impressive blend of talent and determination. His record-breaking achievements not only add to his personal legacy but also elevate the competitive landscape of the PGA Tour as the new season unfolds. As he continues to showcase his skills on the global stage, Matsuyama’s trajectory may inspire a new generation of golfers and draw even greater attention to the sport, marking a significant moment in golf history.
