Hideki Matsuyama, a professional golfer and former Major winner, recently made headlines in the golfing world when he set a new PGA Tour scoring record at The Sentry tournament in 2025. Matsuyama attributed part of his success to using a prototype Scotty Cameron 009M putter with a centre shaft, a design he noticed many of his fellow players on the circuit were experimenting with. This move paid off for Matsuyama, as he averaged just 26.75 putts per round in Hawaii and gained +5.419 in the Strokes Gained: Putting department, ranking him third for the week.
Matsuyama’s impressive performance with the centre-shafted putter helped him secure his 11th PGA Tour win, and he finished the tournament at 35-under-par after shooting rounds of 65, 65, 62, and 65. While Matsuyama remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the putter’s performance, he did mention receiving it after Christmas and using it for the first time at The Sentry. It remains to be seen whether he will continue to use the Scotty Cameron 009M prototype in future tournaments, as he has a large collection of Scotty Cameron putters and has rotated different models in the past.
Scotty Cameron, the renowned putter designer, has worked closely with Matsuyama over the years to create custom putters that suit his preferences and playing style. Matsuyama, who has been a fan of Cameron’s putters since his early days in school, is known for his enthusiasm for trying out new models to stay energized and focused on his game. Cameron has praised Matsuyama for his dedication to finding the best putter for his game, stating that Matsuyama likely has one of the greatest collections of Scotty Cameron putters.
In addition to the 009M prototype, Matsuyama has used various Scotty Cameron models in his recent victories on the PGA Tour. Notably, he used a Newport 2 style putter to win the Masters in 2021 and a Craftsman tour prototype at the FedEx St. Jude Invitational in 2024. His eclectic collection of Scotty Cameron putters reflects his ongoing quest to find the perfect tool for his putting game. Regardless of which model he chooses to use in future tournaments, Matsuyama’s success serves as a reminder of the importance of fine-tuning equipment to gain a competitive edge on the golf course.
If you are an aspiring golfer looking to improve your game, taking cues from Matsuyama’s success with the centre-shafted putter can provide valuable insights. Experimenting with different putter designs and seeking out custom options tailored to your preferences could help you fine-tune your putting game and lower your scores on the course. By staying open to new technologies and innovations in golf equipment, you can stay ahead of the competition and enhance your performance on the greens. Stay tuned to Golf Monthly for the latest updates on equipment news, player insights, and tournament coverage to keep your game sharp and competitive.
