HIDEKI Matsuyama has broken Cameron Smith’s PGA Tour 72-hole scoring record, winning The Sentry tournament in Hawaii at 35 under par.
The unflappable Japanese star shot a closing eight-under 65 to win by three shots.from fellow major winner Collin Morikawa (67) on the Plantation course at Kapalua on Monday.
Matsuyama’s 35-under total – from rounds of 65, 65, 62, 65 – was one stroke better than the tour’s 72-hole record to par set by Australian Smith when he won the same tournament in 2022 by one shot from Jon Rahm at 34 under.
Matsuyama made an 8-foot birdie putt on the par-5 18th hole, lightly pumping his fist.
The 2021 Masters champion set another PGA Tour record with that final birdie, his 35th hole at birdie or better for the tournament. Smith in 2022 and Sungjae Im last year held the previous record.
“That last putt, it felt like if I make it, then it’s going to be the record,” Matsuyama said.
“So I’m so happy that it went in.”
World No.6 Matsuyama earned his 11th career title on the PGA Tour, and his third win in the past 10 months, all against some of the strongest fields.
“I was able to have a great offseason and get a fresh start this week and play well this week,” he said. “So it was a great way to start (the year).”
Australians Cam Davis (69) and Adam Scott (70) could not keep up with the red-hot pace as they slipped out of the top 10 in the final round following their 64s the previous day.
