Last year was the first year when I had the chance to write about the Japanese professional golfer, Hideki Matsuyama. Since then he has become the world’s #12 (4 places higher than in 2015). After 2 years, Matsuyama won again, this time at the 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, AZ.
Matsuyama carded a four-under 67 to finish regulation play tied at 14-under 270. Matsuyama ultimately clinched the win by tapping in for par on the 4th hole of a marathon sudden-death playoff.
This Phoenix Open victory represents Matsuyama’s second win on the U.S. PGA Tour, making him only the second Japanese player to earn multiple wins on the U.S. PGA Tour. Matsuyama, who finished tied for second at last year’s Phoenix Open, earned his previous win at the 2014 Memorial Tournament.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale was also a record year for the organizers:
- Total attendance: 618,365 (in 2015: 564,368)
Hideki Matsuyama played with:
- Srixon’s new 4th generation Z STAR XV golf ball with SpinSkin Technology,
- Srixon ZR-30 driver (9.5°): no changes since 2015,
- Srixon Z-945 irons (#4-PW): no changes since 2015,
- Cleveland Golf 588 RTX 2.0 wedges (50°, 56°, 60°): this is new!