Hideki Matsuyama Makes History with Record-Breaking Win at The Sentry

Hideki Matsuyama delivered a historic performance at The Sentry, setting a PGA Tour record with a 72-hole score of 35-under-par to claim victory in Hawaii. His dominant win over Collin Morikawa cements his place among golf’s elite. Read the full recap of his incredible performance, key moments, and future implications.

7 January, 2025

PGA Tour

The Sentry

Hideki Matsuyama

Introduction

The 2025 edition of The Sentry at Kapalua’s Plantation Course in Hawaii will be remembered as a historic moment in golf. Hideki Matsuyama delivered a masterful performance, shattering the PGA Tour’s 72-hole scoring record with a remarkable 35-under-par finish. This dominant victory further cements Matsuyama’s legacy and signals a strong start to the new season.

Tournament Recap

🏆 Final Leaderboard & Key Standings:

🥇 Champion: Hideki Matsuyama (-35) – New PGA Tour 72-hole scoring record.
🥈 Runner-Up: Collin Morikawa (-31) – Impressive final round but couldn’t catch Matsuyama.
🥉 3rd Place: Viktor Hovland (-29) – Strong iron play throughout the tournament.
T4. Patrick Cantlay (-27) – Consistently in the mix but lacked final-round fireworks.
T4. Xander Schauffele (-27) – Matched Cantlay with another solid showing.

📊 Key Tournament Stats:

Winning Margin: 4 strokes
Low Round of the Week: 61 (-11) by Hideki Matsuyama (Round 3)
Total Birdies by Matsuyama: 34
Bogey-Free Rounds: 3 (Rounds 1, 3 & Final Round)

Key Moments & Player Highlights

Hideki Matsuyama’s Record-Breaking Performance

Matsuyama’s win was a masterclass in precision and putting. His third-round 61 set the tone for a dominant week, with pinpoint iron play and clutch putting. His final round 63 included a stunning eagle on the par-5 15th, effectively sealing his victory.

Collin Morikawa’s Strong Challenge

Morikawa put together an excellent tournament, closing with a 65 in the final round. Despite his strong approach play, he couldn’t match Matsuyama’s relentless scoring. His performance, however, solidifies him as a key contender for upcoming events.

Viktor Hovland’s Consistent Showing

Hovland continued his trend of top finishes with an impressive third-place finish. His elite ball-striking kept him in the hunt, but he needed a stronger closing round to challenge Matsuyama.

Impact on the Golf World

Matsuyama’s historic win puts him in the early conversation for PGA Tour Player of the Year honors. With this victory, he:

Moves up significantly in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Gains crucial FedExCup points to kickstart the season.
Sends a statement ahead of The Masters, where he previously won in 2021.

His dominance at Kapalua also raises expectations for his major championship aspirations in 2025.

Fan Experience & Tournament Atmosphere

The Plantation Course at Kapalua once again delivered spectacular views and thrilling golf. The par-5 finishing holes played a crucial role in shaping the leaderboard, providing high drama for spectators. The Hawaiian crowd witnessed history as Matsuyama’s birdie putt on the 18th confirmed his record-breaking victory.

Conclusion & What’s Next?

Matsuyama’s record-setting performance at The Sentry marks an unforgettable start to 2025. With his game in peak form, all eyes will be on him at the Sony Open, where he will attempt to carry this momentum forward.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour now heads into the California swing, with top contenders looking to challenge Matsuyama’s dominance. Will he continue his winning ways, or will a new challenger emerge? Stay tuned to YourGolfGoats for the latest updates!