April 8, 2025
Hideki Matsuyama missed the cut at the Valero Texas Open, marking his second straight event where he failed to qualify for the weekend. He'll look to regain his form at The Masters, where he has made 10 straight cuts with eight top-20 finishes, including a win in 2021. During that victory, Matsuyama gained nearly 12 strokes from tee to green, a formula he will need to replicate if he aims to win another green jacket. He's been outstanding in this area, gaining 1.118 strokes from tee to green, the 11th-best mark on tour. He also continues to excel with his short game, ranking third in strokes gained around the green (0.625 per round). While his putting has been inconsistent recently, he still ranks 82nd in strokes gained putting, gaining 0.090 strokes per round. Additionally, he ranks in the 97th percentile in proximity from 150–200 yards over the past 12 months, a crucial range that accounted for 37.8% of approach shots at Augusta last year. At $9,500 on DraftKings, Matsuyama is a strong play for fantasy managers.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
March 10, 2025
Hideki Matsuyama finished T22 at last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational. He is now focusing on preparing for The PLAYERS Championship this week, which will take place at TPC Sawgrass. So far this season, Matsuyama has played in seven tournaments without missing a cut, achieving five top-25 finishes, including one victory. He has historically performed well at The PLAYERS Championship, finishing tied for sixth in 2022 and fifth in 2023. In the past 12 months, Matsuyama has ranked in the 57th percentile for greens in regulation percentage on approach shots from 100-150 yards in the fairway. This is significant, as over 32% of approach shots in last year's tournament came from this distance. Matsuyama could be a valuable addition to DFS lineups this week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
March 5, 2025
Hideki Matsuyama has recorded back-to-back top-25 finishes at the Genesis Invitational and Phoenix Open and now sets his sights on the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he will compete for the 11th time. In previous appearances, he's made nine cuts and posted five top-25 finishes, including a T12 last year. To succeed at Bay Hill, Matsuyama will need to be efficient off the tee and with his approach play, as the course ranks among the toughest for both. Known for his elite iron play, he ranks 17th in strokes gained on approach and in the 98th percentile for proximity from 150-200 yards, a distance that accounts for 35.5% of all approach shots here. He also ranks in the 95th percentile for proximity from 200-plus yards. Matsuyama's main issue remains his off-the-tee play, where he's lost 1.679 strokes this year and ranks 175th in total driving. Fantasy managers can confidently play Matsuyama at his $9,300 price tag, and he'll likely be in contention on Sunday if he can improve his first-shot performance.
--Dakota Legg - RotoBallerSource: PGA Tour
February 11, 2025
Hideki Matsuyama finished tied for 25th at last week's Waste Management Phoenix Open, marking his third top-25 finish in 2025. He is now preparing for this week's Genesis Invitational, which will be held at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California. Matsuyama won this event last year; however, it's important to note that it was held at The Riviera Country Club, where it takes place annually. Torrey Pines also hosted the Farmers Insurance Open last month, where Matsuyama finished tied for 32nd. So far this year, he has not missed a cut, making him a solid option for DFS lineups this week.
--Ian Christenson - RotoBallerSource: Data Golf
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