Hideki Matsuyama’s first round at the Sony Open started inauspiciously.
Getty Images
Hideki Matsuyama arrived at the Sony Open this week fresh from a historic victory at the Sentry season opener, looking to start the season with back-to-back wins in Hawaii.
However, the 32-year-old’s week started inauspiciously on Thursday when he hit an errant tee shot on the ninth hole. As he continued driving, Matsuyama lost the driver’s grip and threw him onto the rope towards the customers.
Fortunately for the former Masters champion, the recalcitrant club hit the rope and passed the spectators.
The near-disaster didn’t bother Matsuyama on the 517-yard Par 5.
The off-line tee shot landed near the left-field boundary fence, but it wasn’t a problem for Matsuyama. He avoided danger and fired his second shot just short of the green. Pitt and a putt allowed him to leave the hole with a birdie en route to a 3-under-par 67.
Matsuyama’s 67 points were good enough to place him in 26th place after the first day. He is currently three shots back of Denny McCarthy, Harry Hall, Eric Cole, Adam Schenk, Tom Hoge and Paul Peterson. Best amateur Luke Clanton who can secure your Tour card a top-five finish this week means he’s five shots behind at one under.
Japanese star will start its Friday round at 12:50 ET with Russell Henley (four under) and Sahith Theegala (three under).
“>
