WGC Bridgestone Invitational 2017 R4 (404 images)

Hideki Matsuyama put on an utterly breath-taking display of golf to soar to a record-breaking five-shot victory at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, where Thomas Pieters, Rory McIlroy and Russell Knox were among those left behind by the Japanese superstar’s dominant display.

The World Number Three was simply unstoppable and from the moment he carded the only eagle of the day on the par five second hole, a second World Golf Championship title fast become a mere inevitability...
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Hideki Matsuyama put on an utterly breath-taking display of golf to soar to a record-breaking five-shot victory at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, where Thomas Pieters, Rory McIlroy and Russell Knox were among those left behind by the Japanese superstar’s dominant display.

The World Number Three was simply unstoppable and from the moment he carded the only eagle of the day on the par five second hole, a second World Golf Championship title fast become a mere inevitability - breaking a plethora of records along the way with a superlative nine under final round 61 and a 16 under total.

Over the course of the week, Matsuyama carded the most birdies ever in this event, his weekend aggregate total of 12 under is also the lowest ever score over the last two rounds in the famous tournament, while his remarkable 61 is the lowest final round in the history of the World Golf Championships - by three shots.

Two-time Major Champion Zach Johnson finished in outright second position after a two under 68 left him on 11 under, while American compatriot Charley Hoffman was a shot further back.

The leading European challengers – the joint third round leader Thomas Pieters, World Number Four Rory McIlroy and former WGC-HSBC Champions winner Russell Knox – all began the day positively, but it all eventually unravelled and they were left in the shade.

Belgian Pieters (71) picked up a second top five in the WGCs this year - to add to another at the Masters - with a fourth place finish on eight under, while Northern Irishman McIlroy (69) and Knox (68) of Scotland were a shot further back in a share of fifth alongside Adam Hadwin and Paul Casey.

Player quotes:

Hideki Matsuyama

“I did play with Tiger four years ago and watched him shoot 61. I just couldn't believe it that anyone could shoot a 61 on this golf course. And then from that point, to work hard and to be able to do it today is a dream come true.

“Last night after the round, I went to the range and hit it really well and had a lot of confidence. Then I came to the golf course this morning and I don't know where it went. It was probably the worst warmup I've ever had on a tournament that I've won.

“I was shocked, and the first tee shot showed it. I hit it left, but something about that shot, something clicked and from that point on, I was able to find it again.

“It's difficult to compare my game with the game of my elite peers and the world number one. They have majors, I haven't won a major yet. I have a lot of work left to do. But that's not to say that I don't have confidence. I'm going to keep working and keep preparing and doing my best and hopefully someday I can reach that level that my peers have.”
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