Rory McIlroy has declared that Hideki Matsuyama possesses the best 30-yard approach shot in golf, a remark made directly to Tiger Woods during a TGL match this week. McIlroy, whose Boston Common side lost 9-5 to Woods' Jupiter Links Golf Club in the semi-finals, was mic'd up when he shared his assessment.
Speaking about playing alongside the Japanese star at The Players Championship, McIlroy said: 'I played with Hideki last week, and I don't think there’s anyone better with like a 30-yard pitch shot. It’s just so good.' Woods responded with a simple nod of agreement.
Statistics back up McIlroy's claim. Matsuyama ranks fifth on the PGA Tour this season in strokes gained around the green, averaging 0.61 per round. His scrambling from 20 to 30 yards is exceptional, with a success rate between 78 and 80 per cent, rising to 92.3 per cent on his best days.
Matsuyama, an 11-time PGA Tour winner and 2021 Masters champion, currently sits 13th in the Official World Golf Ranking. He also claimed victory at December's Hero World Challenge after a play-off with Alex Noren.
The 34-year-old finished tied 27th at The Players Championship, with Cameron Young winning the event at 13 under par. Meanwhile, McIlroy recently unveiled the menu for his Masters Champions Dinner, which he will host after winning the green jacket last April.
