Hideki Matsuyama Wins 2025 Hero World Challenge in Playoff

Hideki Matsuyama has captured the 2025 Hero World Challenge title, defeating Alex Noren in a dramatic playoff at Albany, Bahamas.This marks Matsuyama's second victory at the event hosted by Tiger Woods, adding to his 2016 triumph, and signals a massive momentum boost for the International Team ahead of 2026.

Playoff Drama at Albany

Both Matsuyama and Noren finished the 72 regulation holes at 22 - under par(266), separating themselves from the elite 20 - man field by three strokes.The conditions at Albany were relatively benign for the week, allowing for aggressive scoring, but the pressure ratcheted up on Sunday back nine.

On the first playoff hole—the par - 4 18th—Matsuyama displayed his trademark ball - striking precision.He struck a brilliant 8 - iron approach shot to within three feet of the cup, leaving Noren with no answer.Matsuyama calmly rolled in the birdie putt to secure the victory and the $1 million first - place prize.

Leaderboard Highlights

The leaderboard was stacked with Presidents Cup stars:

• ** 1st:** Hideki Matsuyama(-22) * Won in playoff *
• ** 2nd:** Alex Noren(-22)
  • ** 3rd:** Sepp Straka(-21) - * Another strong showing for the European standout.*
• ** T4:** Scottie Scheffler(-20) - * The World No. 1 threatened early but stalled in the middle rounds.*
• ** T4:** J.J.Spaun(-20)

Matsuyama's International Team "Captaincy"

Though not an official captain, Matsuyama is undeniably the on - course leader for the Internationals. "Tiger told me to shoot 10 under today," Matsuyama joked during the trophy presentation. "I didn't shoot 10 under, but I'm very happy to win this week."

His victory here is significant.Albany is a course that requires creativity and wind management—skills that will be essential at Medinah in 2026. By winning an event hosted by the potential U.S.Captain(Woods), Matsuyama has reminded the American side that he remains a global force.

A "Perfect" Shot

Reflecting on his decisive approach on the playoff hole, Matsuyama added: "It was a perfect distance for me. I was going right at it and was able to hit a great shot."

This level of precision under pressure was missing at times in Montreal 2024, but with his swing now dialed in for the 2025 - 26 cycle, Matsuyama looks ready to anchor the International Team once again.

Tiger's Assessment

Tournament host Tiger Woods presented the trophy, sharing a lighthearted moment with the champion.Woods, who has seen Matsuyama evolve from a shy rookie to a Masters champion, knows better than anyone the threat he poses.The victory bookends a remarkable season for Matsuyama, who began the year with a win at The Sentry, further cementing his status as the International Team's premier player.