Hideki Matsuyama faced a precarious situation during the final round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, feeling the tournament slipping away despite his impressive performance earlier in the week. He had led by five shots just an hour before, and his remarkable streak of 27 bogey-free holes seemed to be unraveling as the competition intensified.
The situation became more critical when Matsuyama struggled on the 12th and 14th holes, including a water hazard on the par-3 14th and a double bogey on the 15th. With a glance at the leaderboard on the 16th hole revealing his tenuous position, Matsuyama was acutely aware of the challenge ahead, with the tough 17th and 18th holes looming.
Against the odds, Matsuyama found his resolve, sinking a crucial 25-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to regain the lead. He maintained his composure to secure another birdie on the 18th, finishing with an even-par 70. This remarkable comeback earned him a two-shot victory over Xander Schauffele and Viktor Hovland, who were contending until the very end.
The final hour of the tournament was tense not just for the leaders but also for players battling to stay within the top 50 of the FedEx Cup standings. Nick Dunlap, who needed a strong finish to secure his spot in the playoffs, made a critical par on the 18th hole to tie for fifth and advance. Tom Kim, meanwhile, saw his season end abruptly due to a disastrous finish on the last three holes.
Viktor Hovland, the defending FedEx Cup champion, was in contention until the final holes but fell short after failing to save par on the 17th and missing a crucial birdie putt on the 18th. Schauffele, starting the day nine shots behind, had a bogey-free round of 63 but also fell short of winning. Hovland’s performance was enough to secure his place in the top 16 for the Tour Championship.
Matsuyama’s victory was particularly remarkable given his recent challenges, including losing his caddie and coach’s passports due to theft. Despite these setbacks, he secured his 10th career PGA Tour win and his first postseason victory, moving up in the FedEx Cup standings and earning $3.6 million. The week’s events showcased his resilience and skill, marking a significant achievement in his career.
