Hideki Matsuyama Clings to Lead After Sentry Record Round

Hideki Matsuyama set a new 54-hole tournament record at The Sentry, the PGA Tour’s season-opening event in Hawaii. The Japanese golfer shot an impressive 62 to move to 27 under par, yet he still leads by just one shot. Collin Morikawa also fired a 62, falling short of the course record on a day of perfect conditions with minimal wind, allowing for low scores. Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, registered 11 birdies in his round, marking a personal best for the PGA Tour.

Although he had a chance to match the course record with a long eagle putt on the 18th, he settled for a two-putt birdie. Morikawa, the 2020 US PGA and 2021 Open champion, made an early charge with three birdies and an eagle in the first five holes. However, Matsuyama quickly caught up and passed him to take the lead. “I just kind of followed him, so it was a good day,” Hideki Matsuyama said, acknowledging Morikawa’s strong play. “It was a lot of fun, but I would like for him to take it easy on Sunday.”

Morikawa determined to fight back expressed confidence in his ability to overtake Matsuyama. “I’m going to put everything out there tomorrow because I have the goal to win,” he said, emphasizing his focus on each shot. Belgium’s Thomas Detry is in third place, four shots behind the leader at 22 under, following a 64. South Korea’s Sungjae Im matched the round with a 62 while England’s Harry Hall sits in fifth with a score of 20 under after shooting 66. The stage is set for a thrilling final day at The Sentry as Matsuyama and Morikawa battle for the top spot.