Hideki Matsuyama Rallies with Two Eagles at Sony Open Hawaii 2025 | Japanese Star Shows Resilience After Record-Breaking Sentry Win
From Historic Victory to Hawaii's Second Challenge
The 2025 Sony Open in Hawaii took place from January 9-12 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu (7,044 yards, par 70). Hideki Matsuyama entered the tournament carrying enormous expectations after his record-breaking performance at The Sentry the previous week, where he set a new PGA Tour record with a stunning 35-under-par total to claim his 11th career victory.
Waialae Country Club holds special memories for Matsuyama. In 2022, he won the tournament in a playoff against Russell Henley, becoming only the second Japanese player to win the event following Isao Aoki's historic victory in 1983.
Early Struggles and Changing Conditions
The transition from Maui's Kapalua to Oahu's Waialae presented distinct challenges. Unlike the undulating terrain at Kapalua, Waialae features a relatively flat layout, but with average fairway widths of just 27 yards, it demands exceptional precision off the tee.
Matsuyama struggled to find his rhythm during the opening rounds, unable to replicate the dominant form he displayed the week before. His shot-making lacked consistency, and observers noted moments of visible frustration as he worked through swing thoughts on the course.
A Stunning Final-Round Comeback
The final day, however, brought a different Matsuyama to the course. Starting from 29th position, he dropped a shot at the 4th hole with a three-putt bogey but quickly found his putting touch, draining birdie putts from 4 meters at the 6th and 7 meters at the 8th.
The highlight came at the 9th hole, a reachable par-5. Matsuyama split the fairway with his driver, then attacked the green with a 5-wood to set up a two-putt eagle opportunity. Instead, he poured in the 7-meter eagle putt, igniting thunderous applause from the gallery. Japanese fans living in Hawaii, along with international spectators, packed the ropes to follow every move of their hero.
Matsuyama maintained his momentum on the back nine and delivered another spectacular moment at the closing 18th hole (par-5), holing out for his second eagle of the day. His final-round 66 (2 eagles, 5 birdies, 2 bogeys) lifted him to a tie for 16th place at 11-under par.
Nick Taylor Claims Playoff Victory
The tournament concluded with a dramatic playoff between Canada's Nick Taylor and Colombia's Nico Echavarria. Taylor had forced the playoff with a remarkable chip-in eagle at the 72nd hole to reach 16-under par. He then closed out the victory with a birdie on the second playoff hole, extending his perfect playoff record to 3-0.
J.J. Spaun, who led entering the final round, suffered a costly bogey at the 17th hole and finished tied for third at 15-under with Germany's Stephan Jaeger.
Japanese Players Make Their Mark
Eight Japanese players competed in the tournament. Kensei Hirata, who started the final round just four shots off the lead, posted a closing 69 but stumbled with two bogeys over the final three holes to finish tied for 21st at 10-under. His third-round 63 nonetheless demonstrated his growing potential on the PGA Tour.
Notably, 16-year-old amateur Mao Matsuyama (no relation to Hideki), who won the Japan Amateur Championship as its youngest-ever champion, made his PGA Tour debut and gained invaluable experience. Ryo Hisatsune finished tied for 65th, while Takumi Kanaya and Rikuya Hoshino also made the cut, showcasing the depth of Japanese golf talent.
Matsuyama's Evolution and What Lies Ahead
While Matsuyama fell short of claiming consecutive victories, his final-round rally left a lasting impression. His two eagles on the par-5s reaffirmed his exceptional long-game capabilities that have made him one of the world's elite players.
After the round, Matsuyama reflected: "If I can deliver the kind of putting that meets expectations, I want to play like that every time. It's a disappointing result, but I hope to build on this and carry it forward to the next event."
His next start is scheduled for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in California, beginning January 22.
Matsuyama has launched his 2025 season in historic fashion. The 35-under record at The Sentry, combined with his resilient showing at the Sony Open, suggests the 33-year-old Japanese ace is firmly on track in his pursuit of the elusive FedExCup championship.
In Japan, Hideki Matsuyama's performance continues to captivate golf fans. From his historic opening-week victory to his determined rally at the Sony Open, his competitive spirit has inspired countless supporters.
How do fans in your country support golfers who represent your nation on the world stage? We'd love to hear about the passion for golf in your country!
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Reactions in Japan
Matsuyama didn't get the back-to-back wins, but those two eagles on the final day were incredible! His focus on the par-5s at 9 and 18 shows why he's world-class. Looking forward to Farmers next week!
After winning with 35-under last week, maybe he should have skipped the Sony Open? I could see signs of fatigue from playing back-to-back. Worried about Matsuyama's condition management.
So moved to see Matsuyama live at Waialae 😭 There were so many Japanese fans, the bridge at 17 was completely jammed lol The atmosphere can't be captured on TV!
Kapalua and Waialae have completely different course characteristics. Wind direction changes, fairway widths are vastly different. No surprise Matsuyama struggled. Still, 16th is respectable.
Classic Matsuyama to rally with a 66 on Sunday. Even without the win, finishing strong shows the mentality of a true top pro.
Nick Taylor's chip-in eagle at 18 was godlike... Matsuyama eagled 18 too, but to be outdone by that shot. That's the cruel beauty of golf.
Matsuyama's GIR was around 61% at the Sony Open. Last week it was over 77%. Course difference and consecutive weeks definitely had an impact.
16-year-old Mao Matsuyama made his PGA Tour debut! Not related to Hideki apparently, but seeing young Japanese talent challenge the world stage is just cool.
Honestly, the 35-under at The Sentry was just abnormally good. Not every tournament will be a top finish. Fans who deify Matsuyama need to calm down.
Hirata's 63 on day 3 was amazing! Final day was unfortunate, but huge expectations for him as the next Japanese ace after Matsuyama. Hope he wins at Korn Ferry next week!
When Isao Aoki won the Sony Open in 1983, he holed out for eagle on the final 18th. Can today's players surpass that? I have high hopes for Matsuyama.
Watched the Sony Open on BS10, and Matsuyama's eagle putt at 9 gave me chills. Even the commentator was shouting lol Matsuyama on par-5s is just different.
Matsuyama's 2025 goal must be the FedExCup. He got massive points from the opening win, and 16th still adds up. No problem when thinking long-term.
Super curious about the center-shaft putter Matsuyama used at The Sentry. Is the rumor that he owns 400 Scotty Camerons actually true?
My son started golf and looks up to Matsuyama. Even without winning, his attitude of not giving up and looking ahead is exactly what I want to show my kid.
Matsuyama just set the Tour record at 35-under last week. Finishing 16th this week is still great. I still think he's the frontrunner for Player of the Year.
Honestly a bit disappointed he couldn't go back-to-back. But watching those two eagles on Sunday convinced me he still has that explosive potential.
Nick Taylor's chip-in eagle at 18 was the shot of the year so far. Unfortunate for Matsuyama, but that's golf for you.
As a Korean, I'm proud Im Sung-jae got 3rd last week. But I have to acknowledge Matsuyama's 35-under Tour record. Asian golf has really reached a new level.
Matsuyama is my favorite non-Australian player. His short game and approach on par-5s is artistic. Results didn't come this week, but his skill is the real deal.
Echavarria making the playoff was huge for Colombia! Lost narrowly, but he's one to watch. He's reached a level where he can compete with players like Matsuyama.
Stephan Jaeger tied for 3rd! Great for German golf fans. Matsuyama, Taylor, Echavarria... This was a truly international leaderboard.
Not surprising Matsuyama struggled in Hawaii. The Kapalua to Waialae transition requires major adjustments. Different wind, completely different strategy.
Matsuyama's 2022 Sony Open win was dramatic. Couldn't repeat this year, but he clearly has what it takes to win on this course. Hope he challenges again next year.
Matsuyama has a strong chance at the FedExCup. Huge points from the opener, steady accumulation this week. Better start than Scheffler so far.
His two eagles on Sunday were impressive. Especially the 7-meter eagle putt at 9 - perfect stroke. Matsuyama's mental strength really showed through.
Honestly, expecting wins every week is unrealistic. Matsuyama made history last week. If fans criticize 16th place, they don't understand golf.
Amazing that 8 Japanese players competed at the Sony Open. Including a 16-year-old amateur, the future of Japanese golf looks bright.
Taylor's 3-0 in playoffs is incredible. But I won't forget Matsuyama's Sunday charge. Watching players at this level compete is truly entertaining.
From a local Hawaii perspective, Matsuyama's popularity at Waialae is real. The support from the Japanese community is unlike any other player.