Hideki Matsuyama was surprised to win the Sony Open in Hawaii last year.
He did shoot 63-63 over the weekend, with a back-nine 31 Sunday. This forced him to play with Russell Henley in a playoff. He won the playoff on the first hole after he hit a 3-wood to 2 feet on the par-5 18th.
Matsuyama doesn’t expect too much, despite the positive vibes at Waialae Country Club after last year’s win.
“I have been having some neck problems recently. Matsuyama said that he was unable to practice as much the past couple months but that the game is trending forward. “So I don’t have too much to expect, but I look forward to this week.”
Matsuyama started having neck problems last March at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Bay Hill, Orlando. The problem continued until the end of last year.
Matsuyama said that every time Matsuyama played golf, the pain would return. “So, I started working with the doctors and have been receiving some great advice. It feels like it’s getting better.
The 30-year-old Japanese player has been training, but rest is his key to resolving his neck problem. Matsuyama believes that resting is the hardest of the two because he has played in at least 20 events every year on the PGA Tour since 2014.
Matsuyama has been in the top ten in all five of his starts this season, but has not made it to the final. Matsuyama was T-21 in the field of 39 players at last week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions after his November WD at Cadence Bank Houston Open.
Matsuyama might not be at his best this week, but his good is better than many at their best. Matsuyama managed six top-10 finishes last year, including two wins, despite his injuries.
Matsuyama is not to be expected to do too much this week, but that’s okay. However, don’t put too much faith in him.
