2022 AT&T Byron Nelson: Hideki Finds His Game Again

There was a time during the current PGA season when Hideki Matsuyama was miles ahead of his competition. Now I know that’s hard to believe after watching American Scottie Scheffler the past few months, but after fighting a lingering neck injury, the Japanese star is back to 100% and he is fresh off a strong opening round at the 2022 AT&T Byron Nelson.

Hideki Matsuyama, the World No. 13 golfer, began the season on fire, and after 2 victories at the ZOZO Championship and Sony Open, Hideki was at the top of the FedEx Cup Standings. After the combination of his injury and Scheffler’s dominance, Matsuyama now finds himself in 5th place, which is still very respectable.

He was able to complete his recovery in time to defend his Green Jacket at the 2022 Masters, and while he was not successful, Matsuyama finished in 14th place, behind guess who, Scottie Scheffler.

Fast forward to Thursday at the AT&T Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch, on a course known to benefit heavy hitters such as Matsuyama, and it’s no wonder that the Japanese sensation has found success.

Hideki Matsuyama was back to his best on Thursday at the AT&T Byron Nelson.

Matsuyama started on fire with a -4, 32, on his front nine, this in large part thanks to an impressive eagle on 9 that was nearly an albatross.

Each hole, Hideki Matsuyama seemingly put himself in a position to attack the pin and climb up the leaderboard. While not every putt fell, the lack of mistakes benefitted the Japanese golfer greatly. His first-round score of -5 (67) was better than his final 4-day score at this tournament last year, where he finished at -2 (T39), behind eventual winner K.H. Lee.

It’s evident that his neck injury put a disappointing halt to a fantastic season, with many worried that it would derail his confidence and momentum.

It allowed for other golfers to find success and climb the FedEx Cup Standings, such as Australian Cameron Smith, who won the recent PLAYERS Championship and finished T-3 at the Masters.

Hideki Matsuyama has been proving for years now, ever since his debut in 2013, that no one can catch fire like the Japanese star can. His pure strength and power on the ball is practically unmatched on Tour, as he ranks 47th in Driving Distance (305.2 yards) and 12th in Greens in Regulation (70.49)

Hideki currently sits T-8th at this week’s AT&T Byron Nelson and this week could be the perfect opportunity for him to regain some confidence as he aims to compete near the top of the leaderboard each week. If he can manage this, there would be no better time to catch fire, with the upcoming PGA Championship now just a week away.