Imagine two Japanese golf stars leading the pack at the Phoenix Open, a historic first for the sport. But here's where it gets controversial: can Hideki Matsuyama hold off the surging Scottie Scheffler, who’s already proven he can come from behind to win?
In a thrilling display of skill and camaraderie, Hideki Matsuyama found himself atop the leaderboard at the Phoenix Open, holding a slim one-shot lead after Saturday’s round. What made this moment even more special was sharing the final pairing with fellow Japanese player Ryo Hisatsune—a rare and inspiring sight for golf fans worldwide. Matsuyama, who shot a solid 3-under 68, expressed his excitement about this milestone, stating through a translator, 'It’s kind of a first today for Japan to have two Japanese pros play in a final group.' He hoped to repeat the feat in the final round but acknowledged the challenge ahead, focusing on playing well and staying ahead.
And that challenge? It comes in the form of Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked golfer who’s been steadily climbing the leaderboard. After a shaky first round that put him in danger of missing his first cut since 2022, Scheffler roared back with a 65 in the second round and a 67 on Saturday, positioning himself just five shots behind Matsuyama. Scheffler’s no stranger to comebacks—he rallied from nine shots down to win the 2022 Phoenix Open, his first PGA Tour victory. 'Going to need a special round,' he admitted, eyeing a strong start on the front nine to build momentum. But catching Matsuyama won’t be easy.
Matsuyama’s performance was a mix of brilliance and missed opportunities. He finished at 13-under 200, despite failing to capitalize on key moments, like a missed up-and-down on the 17th and a birdie putt that lipped out on the 18th. Hisatsune, who tied with Matsuyama after 17 holes, fell back with a bogey on the final hole, finishing at 12 under. And this is the part most people miss: while Matsuyama leads, the field is packed with contenders ready to pounce.
Nicolai Hojgaard, Maverick McNealy, and Si Woo Kim all sit at 12 under, each with standout moments. Hojgaard birdied five of his last six holes for a bogey-free 65, McNealy strung together four birdies in five holes on the back nine, and Kim eagled the par-5 third hole to shoot 66. 'There are a lot of guys at the top that will be battling, so I just need to play well,' Matsuyama noted, aware of the fierce competition.
Hisatsune’s journey to the final pairing was equally compelling. After a stunning 63 in the second round, he surged ahead of Matsuyama by one shot, setting up a 'dream' pairing with the player who inspired countless young Japanese golfers. However, neither player found their rhythm on the front nine, with Matsuyama turning at 1 under 34 and Hisatsune at even par. Matsuyama briefly took the lead with birdies on the 10th and 13th but closed with five straight pars. Hisatsune tied for the lead with a birdie on the 17th but faltered on the 18th, missing an 8-foot par putt. 'I’m happy to be minus-1, so ready for tomorrow,' he said through an interpreter.
Scheffler’s resurgence is a story in itself. A grip change after his first-round 73 transformed his game, leading to a birdie on the 8th and a spectacular bunker shot on the 10th. Despite a late stall, missing birdie putts on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, he remains confident. 'I feel very comfortable where I am at and where my game is at,' he said. But here’s the question: is his confidence enough to close the five-shot gap and claim another Phoenix Open title?
As the final round approaches, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown. Matsuyama aims to maintain his lead, Hisatsune seeks redemption, and Scheffler eyes another comeback. With a crowded leaderboard and high stakes, one thing is certain: this Phoenix Open will be one for the history books. What do you think—can Matsuyama hold on, or will Scheffler steal the show? Let us know in the comments!
