Matsuyama hails US Open learning curve

Hideki Matsuyama has chalked up his performance at the US Open as a learning experience as he looks to win his first major championship.
The Japanese superstar would finish tied for second with American Butch Harmon around Erin Hills, four strokes behind winner Brooks Koepka. The result is his best in a major, bettering the T4 he earned at the 2016 PGA Championship.
The result moved Matsuyama into second on the world rankings, although there is still some ground to make up to catch world number one Dustin Johnson.
Matsuyama believes that consistency over four rounds is what will win him a major championship, something that aluuded him last week. At Erin Hills, he opened with a two over 74, surged up the leaderboard with a brilliant 65, then almost dropped out of contention with a third round 71 before closing with a gutsy 66 on Sunday.
“If I learned anything, you’ve got to put four good rounds together,” the 25-year-old told a press conference on Sunday.
“I played two good rounds, but it wasn’t enough. No regrets, I did play well. Just came up a little short.
“I learned a lot this week. Hopefully, though, in the future, in majors, I can play in the either last or next to last group to give myself a better chance. But I’m happy with the way I played, and it gives me confidence going forward.”
Matsuyama has been remarkably consistent at the highest level, earning six top tens in his 19 major starts.
Latest
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.