In the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama witnessed his substantial five-stroke advantage dwindle, ultimately managing to claim victory.
Matsuyama squandered a five-shot advantage entering the last day of competition in Tennessee, only to reclaim his form and triumph in the initial event of the postseason playoffs at TPC Southwind.
The Japanese athlete, who recently secured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, recorded birdies on the final two holes to reclaim the lead and secure the victory.
The 32-year-old needed to drain a 26-foot putt on the 17th, followed by two outstanding shots on the last hole to maintain his cool.
He eventualy finished two shots ahead of both Norway's Viktor Hovland and American Xander Schauffele.
Matsuyama admitted he felt the victory slipping away on holes 17 and 18, which are notoriously challenging, but fortuitously birdied the former.
"I thought, 'Oh, man, this is going to be a tough tee shot at 18. I’ve got to keep it in the fairway.' I'm grateful I was able to do it," Matsuyama said through an interpreter on Sunday.
The title appeared to be a formality leading into the final day, with Matsuyama maintaining such a substantial lead.
However, his form momentarily deserted him at the 14th hole, causing him to hit into the water and record a bogey. His putting also faltered on the 15th, allowing those behind him a glimmer of hope.
Matsuyama miraculously delivered with the crucial birdies when the situation demanded it.
The win marks his 10th PGA title, and he will now start this week's BMW Championship ranked third in the FedExCup.
Matsuyama's impressive win at TPC Southwind marked a significant victory in his golf career, further solidifying his status as a renowned golfing talent in the sport.
Despite temporarily losing his form during the competition, Matsuyama's love for the sport and his determination to win drove him to reclaim his lead and secure the title.
