Matsuyama sets PGA Tour's scoring record after 35-under finish - ESPN

KAPALUA, Hawaii — Hideki Matsuyama opened the new season with a record performance, though it was hard to tell from his emotions. He was a machine at the Sentry, with 35 holes at birdie or better to finish at 35-under par, both PGA Tour records.

He broke into a wide smile only when his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, spoke to him on the side of the 18th green Sunday at Kapalua after one final birdie gave Matsuyama the scoring records and a three-shot victory over Collin Morikawa.

"Otoshidama arigato gozaimasu."

It translates roughly to thanks for a traditional Japanese gift to children in the new year to wish them luck and prosperity. Matsuyama won $3.6 million from his 11th career victory.

There was little luck involved over four days on a Plantation course that was vulnerable as ever without hardly any of the wind for which it was designed. Matsuyama made only one bogey over the final 59 holes to finish at 35-under 257.

Staked to a one-shot lead going into the final round, Matsuyama holed out from 107 yards for eagle on the third hole, expanded the lead when Morikawa had consecutive three-putts — one for par, another for bogey — and answered a late challenge with another wedge to 4 feet.

He closed with an 8-under 65 and started the new season in ways Matsuyama would not have imagined.

The 32-year-old Japanese star had only a few days of practice leading into the season opener because he was not feeling well, most recently with sores in his mouth. He decided on a whim to switch to a more center-shafted putter he received a few days after Christmas.

«I used the putter for the first here,» Matsuyama said through his interpreter. Asked why that style of putter worked so well for him, he added, «I'm not sure, but it went in.»

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