‘Aussie Golfer’s Final Round Mistake Costs Him $490,000’

Hideki Matsuyama kicked off the new season with a record-setting display, although his emotional response didn’t quite reflect the achievement. At The Sentry, he was relentless, posting 35 holes at par or better and finishing an astounding 35-under par, both of which set new PGA Tour records.

It was only when his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, spoke with him at the side of the 18th green on Sunday after a final birdie secured Matsuyama the records and a three-shot win over Collin Morikawa that he cracked a broad smile.

Matsuyama celebrated his 11th career victory with a prize of $5.78 million AUD.

The Plantation Course proved to be highly favourable across the four days, with minimal breeze—conditions it was designed to withstand.

Matsuyama only recorded a single bogey over the last 59 holes, concluding at 35-under 257.

His achievement surpassed the previous record set by Cameron Smith at Kapalua in 2022.

However, the tournament took a turn for Australia’s Cameron Davis, who encountered a costly mistake that cost him $490,000.

Davis and American partner Will Zalatoris made an unfortunate mistake in the final round by accidentally hitting each other’s ball, resulting in a two-shot penalty for both.

“That’s going to be pricey,” remarked Golf Channel analyst Mark Rolfing during the broadcast.

If not for this blunder, Davis would have secured a tie for fifth and walked away with $1.15 million.

Instead, he ended up 13th on the leaderboard, earning around $660,000.