Breakout Star: Ryo Hisatsune Forces His Way into Presidents Cup Conversation

Every Presidents Cup cycle produces a "bolter"—a player who starts the year outside the bubble and forces their way in through sheer performance. After the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open, Ryo Hisatsune has officially raised his hand.

The Performance

Hisatsune's T2 finish at Torrey Pines wasn't just about the result; it was about how he did it. Torrey Pines South is a "Big Boy Course"—it exposes weakness in driving distance and long-iron play. Hisatsune didn't just survive; he thrived. finishing 16-under par.

Comparison to Matsuyama

It is lazy to compare every Japanese golfer to Hideki Matsuyama, but the parallels in their ball-striking metrics this week were undeniable. Like a young Matsuyama, Hisatsune is building his game around an elite approach play. He ranked inside the top-5 for Strokes Gained: Approach for the week, dissecting the South Course's small targets with surgical precision.

The "Rookie" Factor

Captain Geoff Ogilvy has spoken about wanting "fearlessness" in his rookies. Hisatsune showed that in spades, staring down a Sunday leaderboard at a premier event without blinking.

What's Next?

One week doesn't make a career, but it does make a statement. Hisatsune has moved from the "Watch List" to the "Short List." With the WM Phoenix Open up next, he has immediate opportunity to prove this was no fluke.