Matsuyama edges Fowler in Phoenix
A par at the fourth play-off hole was enough for Japan's Hideki Matsuyama to claim victory over Rickie Fowler at the Phoenix Open on Sunday.
Back-to-back birdies to finish a round of 67 saw Matsuyama join Fowler on 14-under for the tournament and send the action at TPC Scottsdale to a play-off.
Both players went par-birdie-par to begin the play-off before Fowler bogeyed the fourth play-off hole after finding the water to the left of the 17th for the ninth time in his career and the second time in an hour, leaving Matsuyama to two-putt for victory from five feet.
It was an all too familiar tale for Fowler who was forced into the play-off after blowing a two-shot lead on his first visit to the 17th when he hammered a driver through the green and into the water.
While world number four Fowler went bogey-birdie to round of his regulation 18 holes for the day, Matsuyama notched up back-to-back birdies to give himself the chance of claiming a second PGA Tour victory, one he duly took in front of another large crowd following on from Saturday's world record attendance of 201,003.
Matsuyama's first Tour victory also came courtesy of a play-off, when he downed Kevin Na at The Memorial in 2014.
Harris English finished two shots off the pace in third after a closing round of 66 which included four birdies in the opening six holes.
Overnight leader Danny Lee headed into the final day in Arizona with a three-shot lead, but was left to rue a poor start which saw him take the turn in three-over, a stutter from which he was unable to fully recover, eventually finishing three strokes back.
Latest
-
Courses
Six of the toughest holes in golf anywhere in the world
Check out six of the toughest holes in golf
-
Instruction
WATCH: Tommy Fleetwood explains his three-quarter swing
Tommy Fleetwood has an interesting swing style which has caught the attention of many.
-
Equipment
Lucas Glover raises eyebrows with new broomstick putter from L.A.B
Lucas Glover is set to switch the new L.A.B. Golf DF3 broomstick putter into his bag after a brief trial.
-
Videos
WATCH: Dog proves why he’s man’s best friend with refreshments delivery on golf course
Just when you think a man’s best friend couldn’t get any better somebody shows us they can.
-
Equipment
Cameron Young trialling unusual prototype club at The Players
Cameron Young is out to solve a great riddle of the Players Stadium Course in Palm Valley with an unusual but logical addition to his bag.
-
Courses
How much will a round at Glendower Golf Club’s championship course set you back?
Glendower Golf Club is both beautiful and challenging.
-
Equipment
Ping’s G730 irons deliver on promises of more distance and maximum forgiveness
Ping deliver easy-to-hit high-launch distance irons.
-
Videos
WATCH: Golfer defies logic with sand wedge escape filmed in super-satisfying slow-mo
You won’t see anything more satisfying today.
-
News
Rickie Fowler’s driver trials and tribulations show how tough it is for pros to find the right fit
The driver struggles have been real for Rickie Fowler.