KAPALUA, Hawaii — Hideki Matsuyama celebrated a sensational start to the new PGA Tour season, finishing with a record-breaking performance at The Sentry on Sunday, where he secured a three-shot victory over Collin Morikawa. Matsuyama's closing 8-under 65 propelled him to a final score of 35-under 257, breaking the previous record of 34-under par set by Cameron Smith at the same venue in 2022.

With this win, Matsuyama not only claimed his 11th career title but also achieved two remarkable records within the PGA Tour: 35 holes scored at birdie or better throughout the tournament, surpassing the previous benchmark held by both Smith and Sungjae Im. He expressed his joy, saying, “That last putt, it felt like, if I make it, then it’s going to be the record,” referring to the final birdie that sealed his victory. His victory netted him a financial reward of US$3.6 million, raising his career earnings to over US$60 million (AP News).

Matsuyama entered the final day with a narrow one-shot lead over Morikawa and showcased his prowess by making a stellar eagle from 107 yards on the third hole. This is where he began to widen the gap, especially after Morikawa struggled with consecutive three-putts, which set him back significantly. As Matsuyama proceeded down the stretch, he maintained control and finished with another birdie, marking the tournament's success (South China Morning Post).

Throughout the event, the Plantation course proved to be a friendly environment for scoring due to minimal wind conditions, allowing for such extraordinary scores. Matsuyama's methodical approach throughout the week demonstrated his consistency, making only one bogey over the final 59 holes. After the win, Matsuyama remarked, “I was able to have a great off season and get a fresh start this week and play well this week. So it was a great way to start” (AP News).

Moreover, Matsuyama’s achievement as the seventh player to win both Hawaiian tournaments on the PGA Tour adds to his impressive career trajectory. His next opportunity to further his success will come at the Sony Open on Oahu, where he previously emerged victorious (South China Morning Post).

On a lighter note, Canadian golfer Taylor Pendrith made headlines for an impressive albatross on the par-5 fifth hole, marking the first of its kind on the Plantation course since the tournament's relocation to Kapalua in 1999. “As soon as I hit it I knew it was going to be really good,” Pendrith stated about his remarkable shot.

For more details, you can visit the original articles at AP News and South China Morning Post.