Hideki Matsuyama has the opportunity to make history at the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Maui and secure his 11th PGA Tour title. This tournament, being the first of the new year, holds the distinction of being the first of eight Signature Events on the PGA Tour in 2025. For players in the top 60, it offers a week in paradise with no cut and a golf course that is ripe for birdies. Matsuyama is currently on track to challenge the scoring record set by Cameron Smith in 2022, with a record-breaking 54-hole tally of 27 under par after a stunning 11-under-par round on Saturday.
Collin Morikawa is closely following Matsuyama, trailing by just one shot at 26 under par after shooting a 62 on Saturday. The two major winners have pulled ahead of the rest of the field, with Thomas Detry as their closest competitor at 22 under. In addition to potential entry into the PGA Tour record books, Matsuyama, Morikawa, and the rest of the field are vying for a significant purse of $20 million. The breakdown of the purse includes a winner’s share of $3.6 million, with decreasing payouts for subsequent positions.
Jessica Marksbury, a member of Columbia University’s first women’s varsity golf team, is a well-respected Golf.com editor responsible for producing print and online features and overseeing major projects for the platform. With an extensive background in golf journalism, she brings valuable insight and expertise to her coverage of the Sentry Tournament of Champions and other golf events. Her role includes conducting interviews and creating engaging content for both the magazine and website.
The Sentry Tournament of Champions offers a lucrative opportunity for players to not only compete for a significant prize purse but also to start the year on a high note in a picturesque setting. With Matsuyama and Morikawa leading the pack, Sunday’s final round promises to be thrilling as they battle for the top spot and a chance to etch their names in the PGA Tour record books. The competitive nature of the tournament, coupled with the stunning scenery of Maui, adds to the excitement for both players and fans alike.
As Matsuyama and Morikawa gear up for the final round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions, the pressure is on as they aim to maintain their top positions and secure victory. With the potential to earn millions in prize money, the stakes are high for all players competing in the event. Whether Matsuyama can hold onto his lead and secure his 11th PGA Tour title or if Morikawa will stage a comeback remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Sentry Tournament of Champions is poised to deliver an exciting conclusion to kick off the 2025 PGA Tour season.
