Hideki Matsuyama is in good position to go after his V2 at Phoenix CC, which he has been away from winning since 2014. He had 7 birdies and 2 bogeys round of 66, 5 under to finish at 3T for the Round 1.

He started out at 10th, made 2 straight birdies by making 8-meter birdie putt, which he went aggressively, and it jumped into the cup.

On 13th, where he had to hit provisional, his first shot was barely safe in the right-side trees. He had to yank it out to the fairway, which lead to a bogey hole. He is just recovering from the back ache and his shots did lose control here and there, but on 17th Par 3, he made 7-meter right to left line to save par. His hot putts were saving the day.

Hideki was in the same group as the current Japan Tour's No.1 Money Ranker, Shugo Imahira.
"I was very impressed watching his game" said Hideki, as Shugo finished 1 shot better than him on Round 1.

Hideki has been on US PGA Tour since 2014, but he comes back for this tournament almost every year to attend as the Host Pro.
"I have special thoughts for this tournament, but I am ashamed that I haven't won here for 5 years now. I must do lot better tomorrow in order to fulfill my goal and make this week as my victory No.2 at Phoenix."