"The fan should get to keep it"; "Oopsie" - Fans react to Hideki Matsuyama's driver launching into the crowd at the Sony Open

Hideki Matsuyama's driver landed in the crowd during the 2025 Sony Open in Hawaii. The Japanese golfer started his 2025 PGA Tour season with an incredible victory at The Sentry last week. He maintained his good game at this week's event as well but had one mishit.

During the opening round of the Sony Open in Hawaii on January 9, Matsuyama was preparing to take his shot on the par-5 ninth hole. As he was taking the first shot, his driver launched straight into the crowd while the ball went straight. Matsuyama went straight to check if everyone was okay.

Nuclr Golf shared a video of Hideki Matsuyama's shot, writing:

"Hideki’s driver launches into the crowd at the Sony Open."

Fans jumped to the comment section to take a jibe at him.

"Oopsie!!" another fan said.

While another X user wrote that the fan should get the driver.

"The fan should get to keep it," a fan said.

Meanwhile, some other fans trolled him.

"This is getting old in a hurry, major disrespect for the game especially at his level. He needs to be penalized," one more fan commented.

"You know what it's his fault. He keeps moving to the one arm release after his downswing . Did it last week almost in disgust of his drive," one more fan added.

Yet one fan took a dig at simulator-format golf.

"This is why golf will be played ina studio soon.. oh wait I meant already," a fan wrote.

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How did Hideki Matsuyama play in the opening round of the 2025 Sony Open in Hawaii?

Matsuyama started his game at the Sony Open on the first tee hole. He made pars on the first four holes before making a birdie on the fifth hole. But then he struggled on the sixth and carded a bogey on it. He managed to make a birdie on the ninth and carded two more birdies on the back nine for a round of 3-under 67.

The first round of the tournament was suspended due to darkness and will resume on Friday, January 10. Six golfers shared the top position at 6-under after the semifinished first round. Harry Hall is in the lead with Adam Schenk, Eric Cole, Denny McCarthy, Paul Peterson, and Tom Hoge.

Prior to the Sony Open, Hideki Matsuyama was impressive at the 2025 The Sentry last week He played the four rounds of 65, 65, 62, and 65 in the tournament to win the event. Speaking of his victory, the Japanese golfer said (via ASAP Sports):

"After the fire we didn't know if we were going to get to play here. We were able to get to play, and play again this year. And then be able to win, this is a tournament that I've always wanted to win, it's a special place here, so definitely happy to have won here."

Meanwhile, the Sony Hawaii Open is a four-day event. It will have its finale on Sunday, January 12.