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Matsuyama's Record-Breaking Heist in Hawaii
How a 35-under masterclass rewrote PGA Tour history
Happy Valley Golf Team
January 06, 2025
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Here’s what we’ve got for you today:
How to fix your downswing with one easy drill
Matsuyama shatters PGA Tour scoring record with mind-boggling 35-under performance
Bulked-up Zalatoris wrong-ball mishap
All you need to know about the TGL, Tigers new golf league
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Hideki's Hawaiian Heist: How Matsuyama Broke Golf in Kapalua
Move over, Ocean's Eleven - Hideki Matsuyama just pulled off the greatest heist in Kapalua history, absolutely ransacking the record books at The Sentry 2025. The Japanese sensation didn't just win; he turned the Plantation Course into his personal playground, posting a mind-boggling 35-under par that had statisticians double-checking their calculators.
The Great Hawaiian Scoring Spree
While most of us were still nursing New Year's hangovers, Matsuyama was busy making the rest of the PGA Tour look like weekend hackers. His 33 birdies and 2 eagles weren't just a record - they were a mathematical impossibility that somehow happened anyway. Cameron Smith's previous record of 34-under? Consider it officially obsolete, much like those "Be Kind, Rewind" stickers on VHS tapes.
Sunday Showdown
Collin Morikawa tried his best to play spoiler, getting within two shots late in the round like that friend who won't let you enjoy your victory lap in Mario Kart. Matsuyama slammed the door shut with clutch birdies on 16 and 18 to seal the deal. Matsuyama had an incredible shot, hole-ing out for eagle from 106 yards on the third hole - because apparently, regular birdies were too boring for him 😂.
Show Me The Money
Matsuyama's bank account got a nice little $3.6 million boost - enough to buy approximately 1.2 million spam musubis (a Hawaiian delicacy). Morikawa's consolation prize of $2.16 million probably helped ease the sting of defeat, or at least paid for the flight home.
The Supporting Cast
Will Zalatoris, sporting his new "Bulk Zalatoris" look with 20 extra pounds of muscle, had a T25 finish that included an amusing wrong-ball penalty. Turns out all that extra muscle doesn't help you read the numbers on your golf ball - who knew?
Russell Henley's Existential Crisis
Poor Russell Henley had what would normally be considered a fantastic round - shooting 4-under 69. But in this birdie-fest, that was like bringing a knife to a gunfight. His post-round interview was pure gold when he deadpanned that his 4-under felt like shooting 3-over. It's the golfing equivalent of showing up to a black-tie event in your nicest jeans - technically good, but not quite good enough.
The Victory Lap
This marks Matsuyama's third win in 16 PGA Tour starts, suggesting he might need to invest in a bigger trophy cabinet or perhaps just rent a storage unit at this point. The way he's playing, he might want to look into bulk discounts.
The only thing more impressive than Matsuyama's scoring was his ability to maintain his famous poker face while essentially turning one of golf's premier events into his personal highlight reel. If this is how he's starting 2025, the rest of the Tour might want to consider taking up pickleball instead.
News You Need to Know
TGL prize money as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy offer multi-million dollar pay out to PGA Tour stars
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Thanks for reading!
Enjoy the rest of your week,
Cody.