(Honolulu) Hideki Matsuyama came from behind to erase a five-shot deficit on the back nine and triumphed at the Sony Open with an eagle delivered on one of the finest shots he produced to defeat Russell Henley, Sunday.
Posted at 11:26 p.m.
Matsuyama’s eighth PGA Tour win puts him tied with KJ Choi for most crowns by an Asian-born player.
Matsuyama birdied at 18and hole to force overtime. He handed over a 63 (-7) card while Henley handed over a 65 card.
Back to 18and flag for overtime, Matsuyama hit with a wood noh3 from the tee while Henley’s ball was in a bunker near the fairway. He reiterated with his wood noh3 and moments after the hit he tried to parry the sun to find his ball.
He didn’t need to see her. One of the biggest galleries at the Waialae Golf Club exploded with joy when the ball landed 10 feet from the cup and then came within three feet of it.
Henley missed his approach and made a bogey.
At this point it was no longer important. Matsuyama hit the putt to confirm the eagle and especially his second triumph of the season.
Both players turned in a -23 under par of 257.
American Kevin Kisner (64) and Irishman Seamus Power (65) shared third place, four shots off the lead.
Canadians still in contention, Adam Svensson (-17) and Corey Conners (-16) took seventh and 11 respectivelyand rank. Adam Svensson started the day in third position.