Hideki Matsuyama overcame a dramatic back-nine scare to secure victory at the PGA Tour’s St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind in Memphis on Sunday. The 32-year-old Japanese golfer started the day with a five-shot lead and was two-under for his round until bogeys on the 12th and 14th holes, followed by a double bogey on the 15th, nearly derailed his chances.
This stumble allowed Xander Schauffele, who began the day nine shots behind, and Norway’s Viktor Hovland to catch up, creating a three-way tie at 15-under. However, Matsuyama recovered just in time, sinking a crucial 26-foot birdie putt on the par-4 17th to regain the lead. With his rivals already in the clubhouse, he secured his victory with a birdie on the 18th, finishing at 17-under, with Schauffele and Hovland tied for second.
Reflecting on the close call, Matsuyama admitted he feared the victory was slipping away but managed to stay composed under pressure. The win marks his 10th PGA Tour title and his second of the season, following his February triumph at the Genesis Invitational.
Matsuyama’s regular caddie was absent due to a passport theft in London, but the stand-in caddie helped guide him to victory. Schauffele, who had an impressive bogey-free round of 63, and Hovland, who shot 66, both fell just short.
The playoff field will now be cut to 50 for the BMW Championship next week in Colorado, leading up to the final Tour Championship in Atlanta on August 29. Scottie Scheffler leads the playoff standings, with Schauffele second and Matsuyama projected to move up to third. Additionally, 20-year-old Nick Dunlap pushed into the top-50 after tying for fifth.
