Japanese star delivers epic ace on 8th hole at Torrey Pines South Course
A Memorable Milestone in San Diego
San Diego, California – January 25, 2024
Hideki Matsuyama gave fans at Torrey Pines something to roar about during the opening round of the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open—his first career hole-in-one on the PGA Tour. The 2021 Masters champion aced the par-3 8th hole on the iconic South Course, sending the crowd into a frenzy and giving his round a major boost.
For a player with one of the smoothest swings in golf, this long-awaited ace marked a special moment in Matsuyama’s already stellar career.
A Defining Shot
The 8th hole at Torrey Pines South was playing 176 yards on Thursday, with firm conditions and a tricky front pin. Matsuyama pulled a 7-iron, struck it flush, and watched as the ball tracked the flag, landed just short, and rolled in perfectly.
The crowd erupted, and Matsuyama, ever composed, raised his arms in understated celebration. It was a textbook shot—high, soft, and right on line.
“I hit a really good 7-iron, and it just tracked,” Matsuyama said post-round. “To finally get one on the PGA Tour feels great.”
Leaderboard Impact
The ace was the highlight of Matsuyama’s round and helped him card a solid 3-under 69, putting him firmly in contention after Day 1. While not at the top of the leaderboard, the early momentum could be exactly what the Japanese star needs to build a strong weekend push.
The ace not only energized Matsuyama’s group but also added a spark to a relatively quiet morning wave. Heading into Round 2, he trailed leaders like Kevin Yu and Patrick Cantlay, who both posted rounds of 66 (-6).
Other Notables
It was a day of mixed fortunes at Torrey Pines. Jon Rahm, a former winner at this event, struggled with his short game and posted a surprising 74 (+2). Meanwhile, Tony Finau looked sharp, cruising to a 4-under 68 and placing himself among the early favorites.
Still, no shot got more cheers—or replays—than Matsuyama’s ace on 8.
What’s Next
With three rounds left to play, Matsuyama will aim to capitalize on the momentum from his historic ace. His iron play looked dialed in, and if the putter heats up, he could make a serious run this weekend.
As the Farmers Insurance Open heads into the Friday cut line battle and weekend drama, Matsuyama’s hole-in-one remains the shot of the tournament so far—and a reminder that even a major champion can still hit career firsts.
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