Hideki Matsuyama continues his drive from the 13th tee. —AFP
With the strong scores at The Sentry, there is some pressure heading into the weekend.
Much of that comes from what Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama has accomplished so far at The Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii.
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Matsuyama shot an 8-under 65 for the second straight day Friday to maintain a one-stroke lead midway through the PGA Tour season opener.
“It seems like Hideki is trying to birdie every hole,” said Tom Hoge, who was the first-round leader, “so it was good to keep up with him a little bit.”
the pursuers
Matsuyama is at 16-under 130, with Collin Morikawa, who also had a 65 to be just one shot behind, wasting the chance to tie by signing for par on the 18th.
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“I just hit some quality shots and gave myself a number of opportunities to make birdies,” Morikawa said. “I felt like on the back nine I had birdie looks. Obviously, I made a handful, but it was nice to see a couple fall.”
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Maverick McNealy (64) is at 132 as are Corey Conners (66), Thomas Detry (65) and Hoge (68).
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There was no shortage of players who achieved stellar rounds, so the need to continue accumulating birdies was evident.
“Fourteen under par, probably halfway there,” McNealy said. “I think I need to make it to 28, at least.”
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Matsuyama had a bogey-free round, including birdies on two of the three par-3 holes.
“I’m definitely happy with where I’m at,” Matsuyama said. “I haven’t played well here in a while, so it’s good to get off to a good start here.” —Reuters
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