Backed by putter and vociferous crowd, Matsuyama makes a charge

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Hideki Matsuyama - TheGolfingHub
Two shots off the lead at the Sony Open, Hideki Matsuyama can be trusted to mount a serious challenge on Sunday. Photo: marca.com

Hideki Matsuyama lined himself up nicely for a shot at the Sony Open title with Saturday’s seven-under 63. He lies two shots off the leader Russell Henley. Excerpts from an interview:

What was successful today?

Hideki Matsuyama: Probably putting was strong point today. Even my missed putts found the hole.

How did that happen?

Matsuyama: I was lucky today.

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I wanted to ask you about the 15th hole, where you were and where the tree was. What club you hit and what kind of shot?

Matsuyama: You know, I was worried about the tree and I had an 8-iron in my hand and Shota said, ‘Hey, it’ll clear the tree, no worries’, and so I just trusted him and hit the shot.

 

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Do you hit less club off the tee to stay back in case you need to go over?

Matsuyama: Yeah, exactly that. Just keep it short if that tree is going to get in the way.

You putted so much better this year than at any point in the past. Anything different about the course or anything you think you figured out?

Matsuyama: That’s a good question but I don’t have an answer for it.

Early on you were wincing a little bit. Were you hurt or just didn’t like how you were getting through the ball?

Matsuyama: No, nothing major. You know, I felt a pull here and there, but nothing serious.

How do you feel about the crowd support and the gallery following you out here?

Matsuyama: It does, whenever there is a big crowd like this it just gives you some extra motivation, and just kind of rode with all their cheers and hopefully tomorrow will be another good day.

What’s the difference between what you hear from the gallery in Japanese and in English?

Matsuyama: You know, they are different, you’re exactly right. The cheers are different, but I enjoy both of them. It really helps.

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