Hideki Matsuyama etched his name into PGA Tour history on Sunday with an astonishing performance, shooting a record-breaking 35-under-par total to claim victory at The Sentry at Kapalua's Plantation Course in Hawaii.
Matsuyama's remarkable 72-hole score eclipsed the previous record of 34-under set by Australian Cameron Smith just a year ago at the same event.
The 31-year-old Japanese golfer's final-round eight-under 65 sealed his triumph, three shots clear of American Collin Morikawa, who finished in second place with a 32-under total.
Matsuyama’s win was the 11th of his storied career, a victory that not only earned him $3.6 million in prize money but also saw him set another PGA Tour record—his 35th birdie or better of the tournament, surpassing the previous high set by South Korea's Im Sung-jae in 2023.
Matsuyama’s final birdie came on the last hole, a putt that he initially wasn’t sure would drop but did nonetheless, securing the record.
"I thought (the record) maybe was 34 or 35, I wasn’t sure, but I kind of thought: 'If I’m thinking like that, it probably won’t go in,’" Matsuyama reflected after his victory, speaking through an interpreter. "But it did go in and I’m glad it did."
Despite entering the final round trailing Matsuyama by just one shot, Morikawa's best efforts weren’t enough to overtake the Japanese star. A four-under 67 on Sunday included a mix of birdies and a rare bogey on the sixth hole, but the Californian never quite found the rhythm needed to catch Matsuyama.
"Yes, you could leave some shots out there, but you shoot 11-under on any golf course and you’re going to be happy," said Morikawa, who fired an 11-under 62 on Saturday to surge into contention.
"I just knew I had to be on top of everything and I just kind of let a few slip on that front nine. I played a good back nine, but to win on a course like this, conditions like this, you’ve got to have it for 72 holes, and I had it for 65."
Morikawa’s solid performance, though, was overshadowed by Matsuyama’s flawless play over the final stretch.
The calm, windless conditions allowed for low scores across the board, and Matsuyama made sure his game stayed dialed in from start to finish.
South Korea’s Im Sung-jae, who set a record for birdies at last year's event, finished in third place at 29-under, four shots behind Morikawa. Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas claimed fourth place with a total of 25-under.
For Matsuyama, this victory represents more than just a personal achievement. It comes on the heels of a strong run over the past year, with three wins in the last ten months.
His consistency and composure were on full display in Kapalua, where he withstood the relentless pressure from a star-studded field, including world No. 4 Morikawa.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for every competitor. Australia's Cam Davis and American Will Zalatoris encountered a mix-up on the 15th hole, inadvertently hitting each other’s balls.
The error led to both players being assessed a two-shot penalty, much to their frustration.
The mishap proved costly for both. Without the penalty, Davis, who had been playing solidly, would have finished tied for fifth and taken home an extra $306,625. Zalatoris, on the other hand, would have placed tied for 15th, earning an additional $120,000.
Despite the setback, Davis ended up tied for 13th, while Zalatoris finished tied for 26th.
With his victory, Matsuyama becomes the first player in PGA Tour history to post a 72-hole score of 35-under, and his final-round birdie on the 18th was a fitting conclusion to a tournament that will long be remembered for its exceptional play and record-breaking feats.
For Matsuyama, the win is a signal that he remains one of the most consistent and formidable forces in golf, having now claimed three titles in less than a year.
It also marks a further evolution in the career of the 2021 Masters champion, who has long been a fan favorite and one of the sport's most technically skilled players.
“I’m just happy with how I played all week,” Matsuyama said after the tournament. "It feels good to start the year with a win, and to break the record makes it even more special. But I know I have to keep improving."
As the PGA Tour moves into the new year, Matsuyama's win at The Sentry sends a clear message that he remains a contender at the highest level.
With a packed schedule ahead, including the first major of the year at the Masters, Matsuyama's confidence is at an all-time high.
For now, though, the 35-under record will stand as a testament to his skill, composure, and remarkable ability to deliver under pressure.
Results from The Sentry:
Hideki Matsuyama - 35-under 257
Collin Morikawa - 32-under 260
Im Sung-jae - 29-under 263
Jhonattan Vegas - 25-under 267
Cam Davis - T-13th
Will Zalatoris - T-26th