"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott breaks down Hideki Matsuyama’s record-breaking performance in Hawaii and preps you for TGL’s debut.
Hideki Matsuyama Dominates in 11th PGA TOUR Win With 3-Shot Victory
The 2025 Sentry Tournament of Champions at the stunning Plantation Course in Kapalua concluded with an electrifying victory for Hideki Matsuyama, marking his 11th win on the PGA TOUR. Matsuyama showcased remarkable skill throughout the event, but his breathtaking performance in the final round secured his triumph. He shot an impressive 8-under par 65, finishing with a remarkable four-day total of 35-under par, which shattered the previous 72-hole PGA TOUR record.
One of the highlights of Matsuyama's final round was his spectacular eagle on the par-4 third hole. From 107 yards away, he amazed the crowd with a perfect swing that sent the ball soaring straight into the cup for an eagle 2. That brilliant shot set the tone for his round, contributing to a total of seven birdies and mitigating the impact of his only bogey of the day.
After two victories last year and a bronze medal at the Olympics, Matsuyama starts 2025 with a commanding win that firmly establishes him as a player to watch. Could he be the one to challenge and potentially dethrone Scottie Scheffler in the upcoming season?
Collin Morikawa Finishes Second, Sungjae Im Third
Close on the heels of Matsuyama was Collin Morikawa, who gave it his all but ultimately had to settle for second. Known for his precision iron play, Morikawa made a commendable effort throughout the tournament, which could be summed up with his blistering Greens in Regulation percentage of nearly 92%; that's right, he hit an incredible 66 greens in 72 holes. Despite that incredible display, he was three shy of Matsuyama.
Sungjae Im also showcased his impressive skills this week, concluding the tournament in third place at 29-under par. His performance was consistently solid across all rounds, especially off the tee, where he was second in Strokes Gained Off The Tee, picking up almost five shots on the field, proving once again why he is an emerging force on the PGA TOUR. Im's play and calm demeanor make him a worthy competitor in the year ahead.
Good Showings By Johnathan Vegas, Ludvig Aberg, and Corey Conners
The tournament saw commendable performances from other notable contenders, including Johnathan Vegas, solo 4th at 25-under par, Ludvig Aberg, Corey Conners, and Thomas Detry, each at 24-under par.
Aberg made notable strides, including an astounding nine threes on his Sunday card, which included two eagles on his front side 30. Ludvig looked very good in his 2025 start, which bodes well for the Swead as we move into the new season.
Justin Thomas Shoots Low Round Of 4th Round with 10-Under Par 63
Among Saturday's highlights was a stunning performance by Justin Thomas, who shot the lowest round of the final day with a 10-under par 63. JT continues to show signs of his play from a few years ago, and at this point, it is fair to say that he is feeling good about the strides he has made. It could be that big bounce-back year he and we, as fans, have been waiting for from him.
Great Start to the 2025 Season
The 2025 Sentry was a thrilling start to the PGA TOUR season. Hideki Matsuyama's commanding victory, coupled with the impressive showings of his competitors, sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive year in golf.
TGL: This Tuesday, January 7th, Golf Steps Into the Future
Can you feel the excitement and anticipation in the air? Or, at the very least, a sense of curiosity as the tech-centric Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), presented by SoFi, officially kicks off this Tuesday, January 7th. Founded by icons Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy through their TMRW Sports venture, TGL is set to deliver a revolutionized golfing experience with its unique blend of speed, technology, and primetime entertainment.
Airing live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+, this debut promises to captivate audiences by presenting the future of the game through tech and team golf. But before Yesterday, fans were treated to an hour-long preview show on ABC. This sneak peek was designed to prep fans for what's to come.
Tuesday's first-ever matchup sets the New York Golf Club, featuring stars like Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Rickie Fowler, against The Bay Golf Club's Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, and Shane Lowry. These teams will clash in a display of golf that fans have never seen before. The players chosen for TGL come from the PGA TOUR's cream of the crop, promising week after week of top-tier performance and high-stakes drama as they vie for the coveted SoFi Cup in a captivating final series this March.
Each matchup, scheduled mainly on Monday and Tuesday nights, will be led by the telecast team of Scott Van Pelt, Matt Barrie, and Marty Smith. Viewers will be treated to pulse-pounding, shot clock-backed golf, all contained within a two-hour window—a refreshingly concise format designed to hold viewers' attention, especially those lapsed golf fans who have signed off in recent years as well as the curious casual fan who seldom watches televised golf.
At the heart of TGL is the high-tech SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This 250,000-square-foot marvel offers a technological experience unparalleled in golf. Features like live broadcasts of every shot, a quick 40-second shot clock, microphones on all players, and cutting-edge shot data will enhance the viewing experience. Oh, and the use of robotic and embedded cameras will offer angles and insights that traditional golf tournaments rarely provide, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before...pretty damn cool right there!
After this week, the excitement will continue next Tuesday, January 14th, with the debut of Tiger Woods' team, Jupiter Links, as they face the Los Angeles Golf Club, led by Collin Morikawa, in what promises to be an unmissable showdown.
With the added bonus of ESPN+ hosting PGA TOUR LIVE throughout 2025, golf fans are in for an exceptionally rich year of coverage. Over 4,300 hours of live content spanning 35 tournaments will fill the airwaves with thrilling golfing action from some of the sport's most reputable venues, enhanced by TGL's fresh take on competition. This is not just a new chapter for golf; it's the future unfolding live, and it all begins this Tuesday.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
