The Sentry Round 3 Rankings
-27 H Matsuyama (Jpn); -26 C Morikawa (United States); –22 T Détry (Bel); -21 SJ Im (Kor); -20 H Hall (English).
Others selected: -18 A Scott (Aus); -16 P Cantlay (USA), K Bradley (USA); -15 M Fitzpatrick (eng); -14 A Rai (English), R MacIntyre (Scottish); -11 X Schauffele (United States).
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama set a new 54-hole tournament record in the PGA Tour’s season-opening event in Hawaii at the Sentry.
The day’s leader shot a 62 to move to 27 under par – but still leads by just one stroke after Collin Morikawa also rounded in 62.
Both players fell short of tying the course record on a day when virtually no wind meant perfect conditions for low scores.
Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, made 11 birdies, the most he has made in a single round on the PGA Tour.
The 32-year-old could have tied the course record with a long eagle putt at the 18th, but he two-putted for the final birdie of his round.
His compatriot Morikawa, a major winner, took the lead in the front nine with three birdies and an eagle in the first five holes.
But his advantage didn’t last long, as Matsuyama – who dropped just one shot in the first three rounds – made up for it on the next hole.
“Collin played well and I kind of kept up with him, so have a good day,” Matsuyama said.
“It was a lot of fun, but I wish it would calm down on Sunday.”
Morikawa, champion of the 2020 US PGA and 2021 Open, believes he can surpass his rival.
“I’m going to do everything I can tomorrow because my goal is to win,” said the American.
“When you play that well, everyone talks about being in the zone, but you’re really focused on every shot.”
Belgian Thomas Detry is four shots further back at 22 under after a 64, one better than South Korean Sungjae Im who also had a 62, while Englishman Harry Hall is fifth at 20 under after a 66 at third. round.
