Is Hideki’s Matsuyama’s -35 in Hawaii the greatest scoring feat in PGA Tour history?
Hideki Matsuyama has started the 2025 PGA Tour season in style with a mind-blowing score of -35 to win at The Sentry.
With little to no wind at the season-opener in Hawaii, the field took advantage with birdies galore through the 288 holes at the Kapalua-based Plantation course.
The Japanese star pipped Collin Morikawa by three strokes to make the dream start to the season at a golf course that has been one of the easiest to post birdie-laden scorecards in recent history.
His decision to make a switch to a Scotty Cameron putter paid off with a near-flawless entry to the campaign.
This unbelievable performance has earned the 2021 Masters champion a place in the record books, but where does it stand against the greatest scoring feats of all time?
Here are the seven lowest four-round scorecards in relation to par in the history of the PGA Tour…
7= Jordan Spieth, -30
(2016 Hyundai Tournament of Champions)
With the Plantation Course in Kapalua home to some of the most forgiving fairways, sinking putts is essential to shooting low at the golf course.
Spieth’s consistency and effectiveness on the greens made for one of the great performances of the year in 2016.
7= Dustin Johnson, -30
(2020 The Northern Trust)
Known for his heft with the driver and class with his wedges, Johnson left the field behind at the TPC Boston with a staggering score of 30 under.
His dominance on the longer holes was pivotal in achieving such a score.
6. Ernie Els, -31
(2003 Mercedes Championship)
Back to the Plantation Course again and the South African’s syrupy swing and game management allowed him to carve his way through the field in Hawaii.
The advancements of longer-hitting technology in the game since 2003 makes this arguably the most impressive performance on the list.
4= Matt Jones, -32
(2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions)
With The Sentry being a no-cut tournament where all players can freewheel and attack the wide fairways, being aggressive and hunting for birdies and eagles is essential.
His attacking approach to the golf course in 2022 and clinical performance on the greens were only enough for a third place at the event.
4= Collin Morikawa, -32
(2025 The Sentry)
Despite battling the leader of the list to the finish line, the American still came up short in his pursuit of victory at the 2025 season opener.
His ability to dominate each facet of the game makes this one of the most admirable runner-up scorecards to date.
3. Jon Rahm, -33
(2022 Sentry, Tournament of Champions)
The Spaniard’s ability to be consistent from tee to green makes him one of the most dangerous and complete golfers.
Despite his brilliance at the 2022 Tournament of Champions, it was not enough to earn him the winner’s cheque and trophy.
2. Cameron Smith, -34
(2022 Sentry Tournament of Champions)
After a scintillating battle with Rahm, the Australian’s iron play never faltered as he dealt with the pressure to win by one stroke.
The record-setting battle was one like no other, with little to separate the top three.
1. Hideki Matsuyama, -35
(2025 The Sentry)
His historic score of -35 at The Sentry has earned him the greatest PGA Tour score in relation to par in history.
With the scores at the course in the Aloha State dropping lower and lower, could a player one day get to -40?
READ MORE: Golf in Hawaii: 7 must play golf courses in the Aloha state