Hideki Matsuyama (32, LEXUS), who won the first playoff event last week, withdrew from the second round of the “BMW Championship,” the second event in the playoff series, on August 23rd due to a back injury, as announced by the PGA Tour. Despite not being in perfect health due to cold-like symptoms, Matsuyama managed to score a 67 on the first day, placing him in second, just one stroke behind the leader—a strong start towards winning consecutive playoff events. However, it appears that the back pain, which began last week, has not healed, and he was seen stretching during play. Even after arriving at the course, he spent a significant amount of time on physical care and was seen stretching while paying attention to his back.
- Men’s Golf in the U.S.: BMW Championship – 2nd Round of the Playoffs
- Day 2 – August 23rd (Japan time: August 24th)
- Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado, USA
- (8,130 yards, Par 72)
- Total Prize Money: $20 million (approx. 3 billion yen)
- Winner’s Prize: $4 million (approx. 600 million yen)
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The final event of the playoff series is scheduled for next week, and a speedy recovery is eagerly awaited. Matsuyama is currently ranked 3rd in the season’s points race. He is expected to qualify for the final playoff event, the “Tour Championship,” which will start on the 29th in Georgia, USA, where only the top 30 players compete. Although withdrawing from the second event might slightly lower his points ranking and put him at a disadvantage due to the handicap system used in the final, if his back recovers, he still has a strong chance of becoming the season champion.
The Playoff Series, which began in 2007, determines the season champion. The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup points ranking from the regular season qualify to participate. The series consists of three events: the BMW Championship (with a winner’s prize of $4 million), which reduces the field to 50 players, and the Tour Championship, which features the top 30 players. The final event uses a handicap system, where the leader starts at 10-under, the second place at 8-under, and so on, based on their points ranking. The winner of the final event becomes the season champion, earning a substantial bonus of $25 million and a five-year tour exemption. The inaugural champion was Tiger Woods (USA), and the most titles, three, have been won by Rory McIlroy (UK).
