Matsuyama Wins FedEx St. Jude Championship Despite Post-Olympics Robbery
Hideki Matsuyama emerged victorious at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the opening event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, despite a late stumble and a recent robbery. The Japanese golfer held onto a two-shot lead to secure his second win of the season, moving him up to third place in the FedEx Cup standings ahead of next week's BMW Championship.
Matsuyama started the final round with a commanding five-shot advantage, built upon his stellar play throughout the week. He opened with a 65 on Thursday and followed it with back-to-back 64s, establishing the largest 54-hole lead on Tour this season. However, his momentum faltered on the back nine as he went 4-over in a four-hole stretch, briefly losing the lead to Viktor Hovland.
Despite the setback, Matsuyama regained his composure and sank a crucial 26-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to retake the lead. He then sealed his victory with a birdie on the final hole, carding an even-par 70 to finish at 17-under for the tournament.
The victory comes after a tumultuous period for Matsuyama following the Paris Olympics. While returning from the Games, he and his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, and coach, Mikihito Kuromiya, had their bags stolen in London. The theft occurred while they were having dinner, leaving them without their passports and visas.
Matsuyama was forced to travel alone to Memphis, while Kuromiya and Hayafuji returned to Japan to obtain replacements. Taiga Tabuchi, normally Ryo Hisatsune's caddie, stepped in to assist Matsuyama for the tournament. It remains unclear who will caddie for him next week or when Kuromiya and Hayafuji will be allowed to re-enter the United States.
This win marks Matsuyama's 10th career victory on the PGA Tour and cements his place as one of the top contenders in the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The top 50 golfers in the standings will advance to the BMW Championship, with the top 30 moving on to the Tour Championship.
Xander Schauffele, the reigning British Open champion, finished in a tie for second with Hovland at 15-under, while Scottie Scheffler, who holds a substantial lead in the FedEx Cup standings, finished fourth at 14-under. The FedEx Cup Playoffs continue next week at the BMW Championship, with the season culminating at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
