Hideki Matsuyama arrived in Maui this week with four putters. It’s a curious sight, isn’t it? For a player like Matsuyama, a 10-time tour winner and the 2021 Masters champion, bringing multiple putters signals a serious approach. He might be looking to fine-tune his game at the Kapalua Plantation Course in Hawaii.
The buzz around Kapalua is palpable. When the trade winds go dormant in early January, the course can yield astonishingly low scores. It feels like a golf paradise. Nine of the last ten events of The Sentry have been dominated by scores 21 under par or better. Just think about that. Cam Smith set a staggering tournament record of 34 under in 2022. When conditions are right, the course transforms into a playground for birdies.
However, the fun can come with a hefty dose of caution. Justin Thomas won the 2020 event at merely 14 under due to gusty winds. The Kapalua Plantation Course has no shortage of challenges; eight par-4 holes are 425 yards or shorter, adding to the scoring opportunities. The easy 677-yard 18th plays a pivotal role. It’s a place where a player can make or break their round, and many have thrived here.
Fast forward to Saturday’s action. Matsuyama and Collin Morikawa play like a duo from a dream. They combined for an eye-popping 20 birdies and one eagle. Each shot an 11-under-par 62, showcasing their extraordinary talents. Matsuyama emerged with the one-shot lead, setting a new Kapalua 54-hole record at 27 under 192. How’s that for a way to start the year?
Morikawa, who sits just one stroke behind, experienced high highs and introspective lows last season. His past year was defined by near misses. It’s not just about winning but overcoming mental barriers. At only 27, Morikawa’s hunger for victory is evident. Can he flip the script? In these moments, the pressure can build, but he sounds confident.
During his third-round interview, Morikawa reflected on the conditions, noting, “It’s draining; it’s challenging!” But Hawaii offers a picturesque backdrop. “I could be somewhere else,” he remarked, hinting at the value of being in paradise. These words resonate. Golf, for many, is about more than just the scorecard.
As he approaches this make-or-break situation, Morikawa seems grounded. He admits it’s vital to maintain mental fortitude. “I can’t let my guard down,” he stresses. This statement evokes thoughts about how athletes handle pressure. Do they thrive or fold? His mantra, “I’ve got four days, let’s see what I can do,” shows his aspiration to embrace every opportunity.
Matsuyama, on the other hand, comes into this final pairing with incredible poise. He carries the weight of expectations, though he remains mysterious. He dismisses praise, attributing success to his competitor. Matsuyama stated, “Collin played well, and I just kind of followed him.” Can a champion be so humble in the face of his talent?
Don’t forget the stakes of the moment for Matsuyama. A victory here would be a second in Hawaii, adding to his 2022 Sony Open win. Imagine what that would mean to his fans back home. His lack of revelry in personal triumph speaks volumes. The calmness implies focus, dedication to the craft.
So, as they head into the final round, one can’t help but wonder. Will Matsuyama walk away with the record-setting victory, or will Morikawa snatch it from him? What does this moment signal for each player’s future? In sports, as in life, each shot counts. Each swing could determine destiny. It’s a waiting game now, and the world is watching.
