Anand Datla in New Providence, Bahamas
December 04, 2016: Hideki Matsuyama started the final round of the Hero World Challenge with a cushion larger than the oceanic space between Florida and the Bahamas. In the end though it took a thrilling pitch from the back of the 18th green to earn a hard fought two shot victory over Henrik Stenson.
The stage seemed set for a massive victory for the Japanese , until Henrik Stenson decided to pile on some pressure at the first available opportunity. That opportunity came at the 10th where Hideki Matsuyama made an ungainly double bogey.
The scent of victory was clearly making Hideki breathe heavy and the Open champion took advantage of the building tension to get within striking distance of the Japanese star.
An eagle at the ninth and birides at 14 and 16 helped Stenson get within two shots of the runaway leader. The distance narrowed when Hideki made bogey at the 14th and Stenson reduced the cushion with a fine birdie two holes later.
“It was, the back nine was a struggle, especially after that double bogey at the 10th hole,” admitted a relieved Hideki Matsuyama. “But somehow I was able to make pars there at 16, 17 and 18. (They were) really difficult holes, so I am very happy.”
It was a sensational finish to an event that was completely overshadowed by the Tiger Woods. The great American promised in patches but rust compromised his chances of being a serious threat.
Tiger Woods finished at 4-under 284, just ahead of Russell Knox and Emiliano Grillo. He made scores of 73-65-70-76, but most importantly got through four rounds of golf, five if you include an even 72 in the ProAm.
With a few weeks off before his next start in January, Woods will be encouraged by his run at Albany, particularly the spotless card in the second round. It will be interesting to see him play again when the Tour reopens early in January.
Defending champion Bubba Watson finished in T6 at 11-under 277 after an impressive 67 in the final round on Sunday.
But the week has belonged to Hideki Matsuyama, who picked up his fourth victory in five starts.
