Hideki Matsuyama Surges to Top at Sentry Tournament

Hideki Matsuyama leads the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Hawaii after carding his second consecutive 65, taking a one-shot advantage into the weekend. Matsuyama, 32 made eight birdies during his round, holding a slim lead over Collin Morikawa, a major winner himself. Morikawa, who captured the 2020 US PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship also posted a 65, aided by five straight birdies from the 13th hole. However, he missed a chance to tie Hideki Matsuyama with a par on the 18th.

Matsuyama expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that he had not played well at Kapalua in recent years but was pleased with his strong start. Morikawa reflecting on his round, said he felt good about his game especially on the back nine where he had multiple birdie opportunities and converted a few of them. American Maverick McNealy matched the lowest round of the day with a 64, climbing to 14 under par, just one shot behind Morikawa.

He joined Canadian Corey Conners, Belgium’s Thomas Detry and first-round leader Tom Hoge of the US in a tie for fourth place. England’s Harry Hall also impressed, making four birdies in his final five holes to finish with a 65. He sits just one shot behind McNealy alongside US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley and former US Open champion Wyndham Clark both of whom shot 64s. With several players within striking distance, the tournament remains wide open heading into the final two rounds at Kapalua.