It was déjà vu all over again for Hideki Matsuyama on Super Bowl Sunday. Just like a year ago, Matsuyama found himself in a long playoff for the Waste Management Phoenix Open title. And, just like last year against Rickie Fowler, Matsuyama finished off the win on the fourth playoff hole — the short par-4 17th at TPC Scottsdale.
This year, Webb Simpson was the playoff foe, with both players finishing regulation at 17-under 267. Matsuyama’s birdie bid on the 72nd hole of regulation came up a half-revolution short of falling for the win. Instead, the pair went to extra holes, where they both made par in the first two playoff holes on No. 18.
After pars on the 10th hole, the pair turned to the driveable 17th. Matsuyama came up just short of the green, chipping to 7 feet for a chance to win. When Simpson’s birdie putt slid just off on the side of the hole, Matsuyama stepped up to make the winning birdie, becoming the sixth player in Phoenix Open history to successfully defend his title.
“I just had faith and believed that my chance would come again, and I just waited and waited, had patience,” said Matsuyama, who closed with 5-under 66 to get to overtime. “Finally, that last one went in.”
Simpson, who shot 64 on Sunday to get into the playoff, was disappointed not to get the win but seemed pleased to know he did what he had to do to get to sudden death.
“To shoot 7 under on Sunday, birdieing 17 and 18 is a great feeling, knowing I had to do it,” Simpson said. “But Hideki is a great player, obviously. I knew he’d be a tough competitor in the playoff. I wish I could have a couple of putts back and hit them a little harder.”
Perhaps Matsuyama just enjoys playing at the Tom Weiskopf design, but it seems more than that. He loves playing for the largest crowds on the PGA Tour.
“There’s nothing like it in golf,” Matsuyama said. “Playing in front of the number of fans and gallery this past week, great motivation. I just try to have fun with it, and at the same time, keep my focus.”
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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