Hideki Matsuyama has concluded the 2025 golf season triumphantly, securing victory in the Hero World Challenge held in the Bahamas. In a fierce competition, Matsuyama faced off against Alex Noren in a playoff, clinching the title with a birdie on the first extra hole.

Matsuyama delivered a stunning final round of 64, bringing his tournament total to 22-under. This performance allowed him to catch up to Noren, who drained a crucial birdie putt from outside 18 feet on the final hole to reach 22-under as well. The two golfers were in the penultimate group and surpassed 54-hole leader Sepp Straka, who ended the event at 21-under, and world number one Scottie Scheffler, who tied for fourth at 20-under.

The Hero World Challenge debuted in 2000 and now boasts numerous multiple-time winners, with Matsuyama now joining the ranks of legends like Tiger Woods and Graeme McDowell.

Despite starting the day three strokes back, Matsuyama surged ahead early, registering three birdies consecutively between holes 3 and 6, showcasing his prowess on the par 5s at Albany Golf Club.

Matsuyama’s impressive play continued as he tied for the lead, capitalizing on a brilliant wedge shot on the par-4 10th that rolled back into the hole, demonstrating his unmatched skill.

As the competition intensified, Noren, having won two events on the DP World Tour this fall, begun to push back, crafting a series of birdies late in the tournament to equalize the pressure.

The playoff was set after both players found fairway metal off the tee. Matsuyama’s winning approach landed near tap-in distance, securing his second victory of the year—all in enviable style, complete with a club twirl that encapsulated his mastery on the course.

Hideki Matsuyama wins Hero World Challenge

Hideki’s hole-out to tie the lead at 116 yards!
Translation: Matsuyama’s exceptional shot at the Hero World Challenge.