Matsuyama triumphs at Memorial
Hideki Matsuyama edged Kevin Na in a playoff at the Memorial in Sunday to record his first win on US soil.
Matsuyama endured a torrid last five holes that would see him finish up 13 under for the tournament, tied with America’s Kevin Na and one stroke ahead of Masters winner Bubba Watson.
While he bogeyed the 14th, birdies at the 13th and 15th kept him on track for the win until he found the water on the 16th, where he would drop two shots.
Matsuyama’s woes continued on the 17th, where his approached shot went over the back of the green that led to another bogey.
On the 18th, his errand drive made him slam hi driver into the turf, snapping off the driver head. However, in a stroke of luck, the ball hit a tree and ended up on the fairway.
The Japanese player took advantage of this and landed hi seven iron just six foot from the pin. He rolled in a birdie to earn himself a spot in the playoff.
Na, who had fired a superb final round of 64, and Matsuyama made their way back to the 18th tee and after Na hooked his tee shot into the creek, it left the door wide open for his opponent. Some steady golf saw Matsuyama seal the win with a ten foot birdie putt.
“Right from the 15th hole, I had a lot of missed shots,” said the 22-year-old, the youngest ever winner at Memorial.
“The double-bogey at 16, bogey at 17, not a real good tee shot — I thought — at 18. But when I saw the ball on the fairway on the 18th hole there, that’s when I was able to think I still have a chance.
“I’m really, really happy. It’s a dream come true to win at Mr. Nicklaus’ course.”
The 18 time Major winner was in the broadcast booth for most of the back nine, and sang the young Japanese players’ praises after his landmark win.
“I just think you’ve just seen the start of what’s going to be truly one of your world’s great players over the next 10 to 15 years,” said Jack Nicklaus.
Meanwhile, Watson rued his poor decision making, leading to a an even par 72 after a double bogey on the 15th.
“It’s tough,” said the world number three.
“I made one bad decision. If I hit 4-wood off the tee instead of driver on the par 5, we make 5 and we win by one. But I made double, so we lost by one.”
World number one Adam Scott finished two strokes back on 10 under with a final round of 71.
“The whole thing is frustrating as I stand here right now,” revealed the Australian.
“But everyone is going to feel like that. We all could have done something different. If we all did, who knows what the result would be?”
Latest
-
NewsEmotional Marcus Armitage finally achieves his winning dream in Hamburg
Armitage stormed through the field with a closing 65 to finish on eight under par and claim his first European Tour title.
-
NewsMarcus Armitage wins first European Tour title after superb final day in Hamburg
The Englishman clinched the title with a closing 65.
-
NewsMatthew Southgate in share of lead heading into final round of European Open
The Englishman is tied with Australian Maverick Antcliff.
-
NewsJon Rahm’s US Open preparations disrupted by positive Covid-19 test
Rahm held a six-shot lead before being informed he had returned a positive test.
-
NewsCovid forces leader Jon Rahm to withdraw from Memorial Tournament
The Spaniard returned a positive Covid test while on the course for his third round.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson confident he can return to winning ways after two barren years
The former Open champion has dropped to 142nd in the world rankings.
-
NewsJustin Thomas offers to act as a mentor to mini-tour player Mike Visacki
The world number two has also given money to help him finance his career.
-
-
NewsTom Watson urges Rory McIlroy to eradicate ‘cancer’ in bid for more major titles
The 32-year-old has four major titles to his name.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson will be a force to be reckoned with at The Open – Tom Watson
The American claimed the US PGA title at the age of 50 last month.