Matsuyama wins in Playoff at the Phoenix Open

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) – Srixon and Cleveland Golf congratulate staffer Hideki Matsuyama for his victory at the 2016 Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Az.  Matsuyama had to overcome a late two-stroke deficit in regulation play, finishing with back to back birdies to force a playoff on Sunday. Matsuyama carded a four-under 67 to finish regulation play tied at 14-under 270.  Matsuyama ultimately clinched the win by tapping in for par on the fourth hole of a marathon sudden-death playoff.

“It was a blast playing in front of all these people,” said Matsuyama through an interpreter.  “It was a dream come true.  Maybe from the outside I looked calm, but I was nervous inside.  I played well all day long and so it just carried over into the playoff holes.  I’m really happy that I won.”

This Phoenix Open victory represents Matsuyama’s second win on the U.S. PGA Tour, making him only the second Japanese player to earn multiple wins on the U.S. PGA Tour.  Matsuyama, who finished tied for second at last year’s Phoenix Open, earned his previous win at the 2014 Memorial Tournament.  Matsuyama, who has also won six times on the Japan Tour, is now projected to rise to 12th in the world rankings.  

Matsuyama played with Srixon’s new 4th generation Z STAR XV ball with SpinSkin Technology, a Srixon ZR-30 driver (9.5°), Srixon Z-945 irons (#4-PW), and Cleveland Golf 588 RTX 2.0 wedges (50°, 56°, 60°).  Matsuyama wears a Srixon hat, a Srixon glove, and carries a Srixon bag and umbrella.

For more information on Hideki Matsuyama and the Journey to Better, visit: http://srixon.com/thejourney/.

For additional information on Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO, products or staff players, visit: www.srixon.com, www.clevelandgolf.com and www.xxiousa.com.