Hideki Matsuyama Falls Short at WM Phoenix Open Amid Driver Issues and Crowds

The recent WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale proved to be a challenging event for Hideki Matsuyama. Despite leading the tournament, he faced significant crowd interference and driving issues that ultimately hindered his performance.

Hideki Matsuyama’s Performance at the WM Phoenix Open

On Sunday, Matsuyama encountered two incidents involving audible noises from the crowd while preparing for crucial shots on the 18th hole. The first disturbance occurred during a 25-foot par save attempt that could have secured him the tournament. The loud shout distracted him, causing him to step away and ultimately miss the putt.

Later, as he was about to swing from the tee box, another noise—a crash presumed to be a chair falling—led to another pause. Remarkably, he was able to halt his swing in time, but his subsequent shot went badly off course, landing in a lake.

Driving Struggles

• Matsuyama did not hit a single fairway on the front nine.
• Only three players had worse driving accuracy for the week.
• Despite these struggles, Matsuyama continued to use his driver throughout the round.

In his final drives, he experienced further difficulties. On the 17th hole, he nearly sent his driver shot into a water hazard. However, luck was on his side as his ball remained on the fringe, allowing him to avoid bogey. In stark contrast, his last drive found the church pews left of the fairway, resulting in another missed opportunity to make a significant play.

Playoff and Final Outcome

Matsuyama lost in a dramatic playoff against Chris Gotterup, who claimed victory with a birdie. This marked a notable first for Matsuyama, as it was his first loss in a tournament while holding the lead going into the final round.

After the match, Matsuyama acknowledged the tournament’s challenges and expressed his intention to learn from the experience. He remarked, “I didn’t have my best stuff, but hung in there.”

Crowd Behavior Concerns

Despite the excitement at the WM Phoenix Open, the event has faced scrutiny regarding crowd behavior. Instances of disruptive actions have raised concerns among players and officials alike. Previous tournaments saw significant disturbances, prompting discussions on maintaining a better atmosphere.

Both the PGA Tour and WM Phoenix Open organizers are committed to addressing these issues and ensuring a suitable environment for all participants. Matsuyama himself emphasized the need to improve from this experience as he looks ahead to the upcoming Pebble Beach Tournament.

Conclusion

While Matsuyama’s quest for a third WM Phoenix Open title was thwarted, his determination and experience will serve him well in future competitions. He remains focused on honing his skills and turning the lessons learned this week into positive outcomes in upcoming events.