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Hideki Matsuyama has been outstanding at the ongoing 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship. After the third round on Saturday, August 17, he extended his lead by a significant margin of five strokes.
The Japanese golfer shot a 64, bringing his total to 17-under par. He will enter the final round on Sunday, August 18, five strokes ahead of Nick Dunlap. Matsuyama was surprised by his performance, as he entered the final round with such a large lead.
Following the third round, he opened up about his play, saying (via PGA Tour):
"I am surprised, but I did play well today.”
Hideki Matsuyama shot a 64 in the second round, tying for the lead with Denny McCarthy. He then added another 64 on Saturday to maintain his lead. Matsuyama started Saturday's round with a birdie on the first hole but added a bogey on the second.
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However, after the setback on the second hole, Matsuyama recovered with a strong round, including an eagle on the third hole. He finished the day with five birdies, an eagle, and a bogey to score a 6-under 64.
Speaking about Saturday’s round, Matsuyama said (via ASAP Sports):
"I guess the long answer is I missed a short putt there at 2, knocked it in the water at 4, but from that point on, I really played well and putted well."
Notably, the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship is the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Following this, PGA Tour players will compete in the BMW Championship next week. The St. Jude Championship will conclude on Sunday.
Hideki Matsuyama chooses his most impressive shot from the FedEx St. Jude Championship’s third round
Hideki Matsuyama revealed his most impressive shot from his outstanding performance in the third round of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship. During the post-round press conference, he was asked about his most remarkable shot. Matsuyama replied (via ASAP Sports):
"It would have to be the second shot at 16."
On the 16th hole of the third round, Matsuyama's second shot traveled 237 yards. His first shot covered 287 yards, followed by the 237-yard second shot. He then made a birdie on the 16th hole.
Hideki Matsuyama began his campaign at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship on Thursday, August 15. He carded two bogeys and seven birdies to score a 5-under 65 in the first round.
In the second round, the Japanese golfer made seven birdies and a bogey on the par-3 fourth hole to score a 6-under 64. He added another 6-under 64 in the third round, comfortably leading the tournament by five strokes.
The final round of the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship will take place in Memphis on Sunday.
