Hideki Matsuyama put himself on the brink of FedExCup Playoffs history after a second successive 6-under 64 in the third round powered him into a five-shot lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Saturday.
Related: Hideki Matsuyama cruises into joint lead at FedEx St Championship
No Asian golfer has claimed a post-season victory since the Playoffs was incepted in 2007 and the 32-year-old gave himself the golden opportunity following another impressive showing at TPC Southwind in Memphis, highlighted by an eagle and five birdies.
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Matsuyama, a nine-time PGA TOUR winner and bronze medalist at the recent Paris Olympics, stands at 17-under 193, with TOUR rookie Nick Dunlap in solo second after a 66 for 198. Reigning FedExCup champion, Viktor Hovland surged into third place with a 66 while FedExCup leader and Olympic gold medalist, Scottie Scheffler posted a 69 for tied fourth place alongside Sam Burns at 10-under.
Matsuyama attributed his strong run to a change of putter, where he currently ranks first in Strokes Gained: Putting through 54 holes, and being injury free. “I am surprised (with the five stroke lead), but I did play well today,” said Matsuyama.
“I did put a new putter in the bag, and it’s been behaving very well. I’ve had the putter for a while, and I thought, well, it might be a good week to debut that putter. I have been healthy. I don’t know if that has anything to do with the results. Again, hopefully tomorrow we can just carry on and do the same.”
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As he enters the finale, Matsuyama aims to convert his commanding lead into a second PGA TOUR title this season following his triumph at the Genesis Invitational in February, and his 10th overall. He is currently the winningest Asian golfer on TOUR. His five-shot margin is the largest 54-hole lead this season and he is 3-for-6 in converting 54-hole leads into a win (2021 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, 2021 Masters Tournament and 2016 World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions).
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The Japanese star traded a birdie and bogey in his opening two holes before striking an eagle on the par-5 third hole, sinking a 15-foot putt after reaching the green in two. From there, Matsuyama surged ahead, extending his lead with further gains on holes 7, 11, 13, and 16, and making a big par save from about eight feet on 17.
“I hit a good drive in the fairway, 255 to the pin, 3-wood to 15 feet and made it (eagle on three). It was very important. Got the momentum back and then carried on with the round. That was big,” said Matsuyama.
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He is enjoying with stand-in caddie, Taiga Tabuchi – who works with Ryo Hisatsune – after his regular bagman Shota Hayafuji lost his passport in London last week and could not travel back to the U.S, as did Matsuyama’s coach. “There’s a learning curve when you have a new caddie and trying to work things out together. But it hasn’t really affected my play. We’re a good team right now,” said Matsuyama.
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Korea’s Byeong Hun An improved with a 68, climbing 12 places to T31 on 207. Tom Kim, however, struggled to a 73, dropping to T39 on 208. Sungjae Im carded a 70 for 209, tying for 45th, while Si Woo Kim signed for a 67, placing him T58 at 211.
All four Koreans are projected to finish in the top-50 on the FedExCup standings after this week, which will see them progress into, the BMW Championship.
