Memphis, Tennessee – In a thrilling conclusion to the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Hideki Matsuyama rallied to victory with clutch birdies on the final two holes, securing his 10th PGA Tour title and taking the lead in the FedEx Cup Playoffs.
Matsuyama, who had maintained a five-shot lead earlier in the day, found himself in a tight race after a series of bogeys threatened his chances. A three-putt bogey on the 12th and a tee shot into the water on the par-3 14th hole tested his resolve. By the 16th hole, Matsuyama realized the tournament was slipping away.
“I felt today’s victory slipping away at that point, because 17 and 18 are difficult holes enough, let alone to birdie them,” Matsuyama said through an interpreter.
Demonstrating remarkable composure, the Japanese star sank a 25-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to regain the lead. He then delivered two precise shots on the 18th, culminating in another birdie that sealed his victory with an even-par 70, two strokes ahead of Xander Schauffele of the USA and Viktor Hovland of Norway.
The dramatic finish not only highlighted Matsuyama’s skill but also intensified the competition among the top golfers vying for positions in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The tension was palpable as players like Nick Dunlap fought to stay within the top 50 and advance to the next round.
“It was weird,” Dunlap reflected. “I went from on 17, I tried to attack the pin. I thought I still had a chance to win the golf tournament. Then not getting up-and-down, and then I’m questioning if I’m inside the bubble or not. It was very stressful.”
Matsuyama’s victory marks his first title at a FedEx Cup Playoffs event and reinforces his position as one of golf’s leading figures. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the playoffs continue, with the world’s best golfers competing for the coveted FedEx Cup.
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Hideki Matsuyama rallies to win opening event of FedEx Cup Playoffs
cgtn.com
