Hideki Matsuyama experienced some lower back pain. He decided to try a new putter for the PGA Tour postseason. Despite this, the Japanese golfer took a commanding five-shot lead going into the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
“I am surprised,” Matsuyama expressed through his interpreter, with a smile on his face, “but I did play well today.”
He delivered a stellar performance with a second consecutive 6-under 64, distancing himself from the competition and establishing a significant lead over Nick Dunlap.
Matsuyama quickly recovered from an early bogey by sinking an eagle putt from 15 feet after a remarkable 3-wood shot over water. He continued to make birdies throughout the day in challenging weather conditions, leaving his opponents behind.
Players like Denny McCarthy and Sam Burns struggled, allowing Matsuyama to widen the gap. Scottie Scheffler also faced difficulties, falling seven shots behind after a disappointing round.
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Scheffler acknowledged his mistakes and expressed the need to improve for more opportunities moving forward.
Despite a challenging round, Dunlap showed resilience and remained in contention. His exceptional journey from winning the U.S. Amateur to becoming a professional golfer is a testament to his talent and determination.
Matsuyama, with a score of 17-under 193, positioned himself to potentially win his first FedEx Cup playoff event.
The tournament serves as a stepping stone for players to secure their spots in future prestigious events and advance in the FedEx Cup standings.
Viktor Hovland and other players made significant strides towards advancing to the next stage of the postseason, showcasing their skills and determination on the course.
Jordan Spieth faced challenges, ending his season on a disappointing note, while others like Will Zalatoris positioned themselves well for future opportunities.
As the competition heats up, players like Justin Ross and Adam Scott are on the bubble, fighting for a chance to continue their postseason journey.
Rory McIlroy, despite a rough start, remained relatively unscathed in the FedEx Cup standings, highlighting the competitiveness of the field.
Matsuyama’s decision to change putters paid off, reflecting in his exceptional putting performance and overall birdie count.
As the tournament progresses, players will continue to push themselves to secure their positions in future events and enhance their standing in the FedEx Cup rankings.
