Srixon Does It Again! Hideki Matsuyama and Harold Varner III Win With Z-STAR XV

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) – Srixon and Cleveland Golf are proud to congratulate staffers Hideki Matsuyama and Harold Varner III for their incredible victories over the weekend. Matsuyama won the limited-field PGA TOUR Hero World Challenge at Albany in New Providence, The Bahamas, closing out 2016 with victories in four of his last five starts around the world. Meanwhile, in Gold Coast, Australia, Varner captured the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Pines Resort by two shots off the strength of nine birdies in a stunning final-round 65.

A 26-year-old native of Akron, Ohio, Varner began the final round two strokes off the pace but took the lead with seven birdies in a nine-hole stretch and then sealed the win with a birdie on the par-4 17th hole. This win marks some redemption, as he finished runner-up in a playoff last year at this same event (co-sanctioned by the European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia). It’s the first time Varner has won since gaining PGA TOUR playing privileges last season.

“After last year, it feels good to come back and finish it off,” he said. “It’s just a step in the right direction and I’m just super excited.”

Matsuyama also redeemed himself at the PGA TOUR Hero World Challenge. He did a complete reversal from his finish at this event a season ago, topping the leaderboard at 18-under par with rounds of 65-67-65-73. That makes five total victories for the 24-year-old in 2016, including three on the PGA TOUR. The No. 6 player in the Official World Golf Rankings pocketed $1,000,000 for the win and now has 12 career global victories.

“I can’t say that I played well today. But I did win Tiger’s tournament, and what a great honor it is,” said Matsuyama. “I’m not even close to being mentioned in the same sentence as Tiger. But I am working hard, and hopefully, little by little, I’ll get better and better.”

Matsuyama and Varner both trusted the incredible distance, feel and greenside spin control of the Srixon Z-STAR XV golf ball to secure their wins. With a Dual Energetic Gradient Growth™ core and advanced Spin Skin coating technology, the Z-STAR XV provides long, consistent distance on full shots with remarkable spin control and feel around the green.

In Hideki Matsuyama’s Bag:
· Srixon Z-STAR XV golf ball
· Srixon Z 945 irons (4-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts
· Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Precision Forged wedges (52°, 56°, 60°) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts
· Srixon staff bag, glove and apparel

In Harold Varner III’s Bag:
· Srixon Z-STAR XV golf ball
· Srixon Z 945 irons (4-PW) with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 shafts
· Cleveland 588 RTX (50°, 54°) and Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Custom Edition (58°) wedges with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts
· Srixon staff bag and glove

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