Matsuyama Claims FedEx St. Jude Championship in Thrilling Finish

Hideki Matsuyama weathered a dramatic collapse and a fierce challenge from Viktor Hovland to secure a two-shot victory in the FedEx St. Jude Championship on Sunday, claiming the opening leg of the PGA Tour's Playoffs.

The Japanese star, who had established a five-shot lead at the start of the day, saw his advantage evaporate over a disastrous four-hole stretch on the back nine. A three-putt bogey on the 12th, followed by a tee shot into the water on the par-three 14th and a double-bogey on the 15th, left him trailing the hard-charging Hovland, the defending FedEx Cup champion.

However, Matsuyama, known for his prowess on the greens, demonstrated his mettle under pressure. He rolled in a birdie putt from over 25 feet on the 17th, regaining the lead from Hovland, who had bogeyed the third toughest hole of the day.

The final group on the 18th, the most challenging hole of the round, saw Matsuyama need only par to clinch the victory, while Nick Dunlap, a former US Amateur champion, required a par to secure his place in the top 50 and advance to the next playoff event. Both players found the fairway with their tee shots, and Dunlap's approach landed within 20 feet, while Matsuyama boldly aimed for the flag, leaving himself a six-foot birdie putt.

"I was a train wreck," admitted Dunlap, who was demonstrably nervous over the final two holes. "I just didn't want the season to end."

His 69 for the round, good enough for a tie for fifth place, was enough to secure his position in the top 50. Matsuyama, finishing at 17-under 263, celebrated his second victory of the year, following his triumph at the Genesis Invitational in February.

The win marked a remarkable achievement for the Japanese star, who had faced numerous challenges in the lead-up to the tournament. He had to find a new caddie after his previous one, along with his coach, had their bags stolen while travelling home from the Paris Olympics, including Matsuyama's wallet and their passports. Despite the setback, Matsuyama remained focused and delivered a remarkable performance in his first playoff victory.

The battle for the 50th and final spot in the BMW Championship was equally intense. Keegan Bradley, the Ryder Cup captain, ultimately secured his place, despite being projected outside the cutoff for much of Sunday. Viktor Hovland, Nick Dunlap, and Eric Cole, who delivered a stylish 63 despite a bogey on the final hole, also secured their places in the next playoff event.

Unfortunately, the cut-off line also saw a number of players eliminated, including Tom Kim, who was poised to advance until a series of costly mistakes on the final few holes ended his season.

"This season has just been...it's just been like this," reflected Kim, who had been plagued by strong performances marred by disappointing finishes. "I've played really good golf, and then had some tough finishes. I feel like 2024 has really kicked me in the butt."