2022 Sony Open: Top 10 power rankings at Waialae

After three straight missed cuts at the Sony Open, Hideki Matsuyama is finally figuring out Waialae. The reigning Masters champ cashed a paycheck, albeit a meager one, by finishing T-78th in 2015.

Matsuyama got down to business in 2017 when he fired 66-67-67-69 to take T-27th.

The event’s gone off and on his schedule, returning in 2020 when Japan’s top golfer shook off an opening 74 to not only make the cut but respond with 67-67-66 to ascend to T-12th.

Matsuyama was last in action last week at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. He posted 69-65-68-69 to finish T-13th. A lot of weeks, 21-under will get it done or at least get you in contention. Instead, he was 12 shots back at the Kapalua birdie fest.

The 29-year-old made no double bogeys or worse and was fifth in strokes gained approach (3.503 total) and fifth in SG around the green (1.781 total). Matsuyama also made all three sand saves he faced.

Iron play has always been his strength. He was 17th last season on the PGA Tour in SG approach (.614). Matsuyama was particularly lethal with short to mid irons. He was second in proximity from 125-150 yards (18’2”), 22nd from 150-175 (25’4”) and 17th from 175-200 (30’11”).

Matsuyama had a career year in 2021. His win at the Masters was the highlight. Right up there was competing in his homeland where he took T-4th at the Tokyo Olympics and won the Zozo Championship.

It will be worth watching to see if Matsuyama keeps the momentum going in 2022.