Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama gave up a five-shot overnight lead before recovering to win the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Tennessee.
The Paris Olympics bronze medallist retained a healthy lead on the front nine before his challenge seemed to be slipping away as he lost four shots on a four-hole stretch, which included a disappointing tee shot into water on the 14th.
Matsuyama’s wobble allowed Viktor Hovland to move in front before he regained his composure on the 17th with a 26-foot putt to retake the lead by one shot with one hole to play.
An excellent second shot on the par-four 18th found the green before a putt for birdie secured the title by two at the opening leg of the PGA Tour’s season-ending play-offs.
Matsuyama, 32, was playing at TPC Southwind without his usual caddie after his team was robbed on a stopover in London after the Olympics.
Norway’s defending champion Hovland finished tied for second with American world number two Xander Schauffele on 15 under par.
American world number one Scottie Scheffler finished fourth on 14 under in an event which featured the top 70 in the FedEx Cup points standings, with the top 50 advancing to the next round at the BMW Championship in Colorado.
Not only do the top 50 progress to Colorado but they are also eligible for each of the eight PGA Tour signature events in 2025.
