Matsuyama Shoots Up Leaderboard with Stellar Second Round
Hideki Matsuyama rocketed to the top of the leaderboard at the Sentry Tournament of Champions on Friday after a scintillating bogey-free round at the Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui. The Japanese star carded a 8-under 65 to seize a one-shot lead through 36 holes of the PGA Tour’s first tournament of 2025.
Matsuyama put on a ball-striking clinic in the second round, notching seven birdies in a 10-hole stretch in the middle of his round. The 2021 Masters champion finished at 16-under overall, one shot clear of a tightly-packed leaderboard featuring some of golf’s biggest names.
Morikawa Makes Late Charge
Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa made a spirited rally late in his round, carding five consecutive birdies on the back nine to pull within one of Matsuyama. The 25-year-old American missed a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th that would have tied him for the lead.
When you look at the leaderboard, I’m through six holes and I’m even par and guys are lapping the field already. But like I said, it’s not telling myself I’ve got to be patient. I just know this golf course, and I know at any point you can go on a little stretch of birdies.
– Collin Morikawa
Crowded Leaderboard Heading into Weekend
A total of ten players are within three shots of Matsuyama’s lead heading into the weekend at the winners-only event. Among them are Corey Conners of Canada and Thomas Detry of Belgium, both just two back at 14-under par.
Conners holed out for eagle from 40 feet on the par-5 15th and added two more birdies coming in for a 6-under 66. Detry, meanwhile, birdied six of his final eight holes, including an impressive up-and-down from a greenside bunker on 18 to shoot 65.
Defending Champion Cantlay Still in the Hunt
Defending Sentry Tournament of Champions winner Patrick Cantlay fired a 7-under 64 on Friday to climb 27 spots up the leaderboard. The reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year sits at 8-under overall, eight shots behind Matsuyama.
Now I need to do it again. To be honest, it’s not that easy.
– Patrick Cantlay
Ryder Cup Captain Bradley Makes Statement
2023 U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley vaulted into contention with a stellar 7-under 64 of his own. The 36-year-old, who hasn’t ruled out competing in the biennial event in Rome, eagled the 18th hole and was greeted by his two young sons as he walked off the green.
- Moving Day setup: With a jam-packed leaderboard heading into the weekend, the stage is set for an epic moving day shootout at Kapalua.
- Matsuyama’s mentality: Can the stoic Matsuyama maintain his steady, bogey-free play with a target on his back?
The pressure and fan support are sure to ratchet up over the final 36 holes as a star-studded cast pursues Matsuyama and the coveted Tournament of Champions title. With calm conditions expected to continue, don’t be surprised to see more record-low scoring – and plenty of drama – this weekend at Kapalua.
