Hideki Matsuyama showed resilience and composure at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, nearly losing a five-shot lead before securing a two-shot victory. Matsuyama regained his form on the 17th hole with a birdie putt and sealed the title with another birdie on the 18th. His victory at the opening leg of the PGA Tour’s season-ending play-offs earned him a $3.6 million first prize.
Matsuyama faced challenges during the tournament, playing without his regular caddie Shota Hayafuki, who had his passport stolen during a stopover in London after the Olympics. Taiga Tabuschi, caddie for Rio Hisatsune, stepped in to help Matsuyama navigate the course and secure the win in Memphis.
The defending champion Viktor Hovland finished tied for second with Xander Schauffele at 15 under par, while world number one Scottie Scheffler finished fourth at 14 under. The tournament featured the top 70 in the FedEx Cup points standings, with the top 50 advancing to the next round at the BMW Championship in Colorado.
Rory McIlroy struggled at the event, finishing tied 68th after consecutive weekend rounds of 74. Despite his performance, McIlroy still progresses to the BMW Championship in fifth place in the FedExCup standings. Jordan Spieth also faced challenges, announcing that he would be taking time off to undergo surgery on his left wrist.
Matsuyama’s equipment lineup included a Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS driver, TaylorMade Qi10 3 wood, Cobra King RadSpeed Tour 5 wood, Srixon Z-Forged II irons, Cleveland RTX 4 Forged wedges, a Scotty Cameron Prototype putter, and Srixon Z-Star XV golf balls.
Overall, Matsuyama’s victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship showcased his skill and determination on the golf course. Despite a shaky performance towards the end of the tournament, he managed to regain his composure and secure the win. His success without his regular caddie highlights his adaptability and ability to perform under pressure. Matsuyama’s win earned him a significant prize purse and solidified his position in the FedExCup standings moving forward.
