Hideki Matsuyama Held Off Rickie Fowler in Four-Hole Playoff at Phoenix Open

Hideki Matsuyama outlasted Rickie Fowler in a four-hole playoff at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Fowler, the fourth ranked player in the world, held a two-stroke lead heading into the 17th hole when he hit his driver over the green and into the water. After collecting a bogey, Matsuyama answered with a birdie and the two entered 18 tied. Both walked away from 18 with a birdie and headed back to the tee box for the first playoff hole. The two answered each other on the first playoff hole at 18, and the second, also 18, sending them to the 10th tee box.

On the third playoff hole, Matsuyama hit a perfect drive while Fowler hit into the left rough. Fowler’s second shot flew the green and stopped in the back rough, but he was able to sink a touchy putt for par. Matsuyama missed his second shot long, but was on the green. He missed his birdie putt and finished with a par, sending the playoff to the par-4 17th where Rickie Fowler has struggled.

Fowler left his driver in his bag after he hit it long the first time he played the 17th today, but he hit his tee shot left into the water for a second consecutive time:

" Rickie Fowler is in trouble again at 17. #QuickHits https://t.co/7UxH8n4Ida — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 7, 2016 "

Matsuyama took advantage and even though his drive was just short of the green, he ended up with two putts to win his second PGA tournament.

" After four playoff holes, we have a champion. ? Congratulations Hideki Matsuyama on winning the @WMPhoenixOpen! https://t.co/SAsDJfgIbY — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 8, 2016 "