Hideki Matsuyama
One of the few golfers who’ve won multiple times on the PGA Tour this year, Matsuyama started the year with three wins in his first seven events. His last victory came in February at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in a playoff over Fowler.
Just like a year ago, Matsuyama held a long and intense playoff to win the title at the Phoenix Open! https://t.co/dyQ6UZwZsi #swinganywhere pic.twitter.com/c32xnxXicc
— Golf Boost (@GolfBoost) February 6, 2017
Since that big win, he’s had his share of ups and downs since then.
Most recently, Matsuyama’s toiled a bit with finishes in the 20s and 40s in four of his past five tournaments. In the middle of all that, however, the Japanese star finished in a tie for 11th at Augusta, reminding us all just how dangerous he is at a tough venue.
Because he’s been competing in majors since the 2011 season, it’s easy to forget Matsuyama is still just 25 years old. He’s been somewhat of a mainstay on major championship leaderboards in recent years, finishing in the top 10 five times since 2013.
Though, if Matsuyama is going to have any luck this weekend, he’ll need to get his driver accuracy on point (No. 88 on tour in driving accuracy). Erin Hills doesn’t forgive those who go errant off the tee.