*Hideki Matsuyama hoists The Sentry champion's trophy Sunday afternoon on the Kapalua Plantation Course's 18th green.*

By MATTHEW THAYER

Hideki Matsuyama put proof to the old saying, "Beware the injured golfer," as he shook off a lingering illness and sores in his mouth that made it hard to talk, to stamp his name in the PGA Tour record book with a dominating win at The Sentry Sunday.

Crafting an eight-under-par 65 in shifting winds over the final round at the Kapalua Plantation Course, his 35-under-par total set a new PGA Tour record score in relation to par. Cameron Smith set the previous record while winning the 2022 Sentry title at 34-under on the par-73 Plantation Course. Matsuyama also set a PGA record for birdies in a 72-hole tournament with 35. His steady birdie barrage was too much for weekend playing partner Collin Morikawa, who shot 67 Sunday for 32-under and solo second place. Sungjae Im finished third at 29-under.

*Matsuyama pumps his fist as his birdie putt on No. 18 drops into the cup Sunday.*

In his post-round press conference Sunday, Matsuyama was asked about his on-course conversations with caddie Shota Hayafuji, and he revealed he has been so under the weather speaking has been difficult.

"You know, I actually wasn't feeling too well this week, and so I was really just focused on what I needed to do, so I really didn't speak much, so there's nothing that I can remember that comes to mind.

"In December I was kind of ill, and kind of, I thought I was better coming into this tournament, I had a couple sores in my mouth, so it was hard for me to speak this week, so that's what I had coming in."

*Matsuyama pats caddie Shota Hayafuji on the back after their win Sunday.*

*At the conclusion of an epic weekend head-to-head battle on the Kapalua Plantation Course, The Sentry winner Hideki Matsuyama (right) shakes hands with runner-up Collin Morikawa Sunday afternoon.*

Though he said the illness limited his practice time, you couldn't tell by the way he played, posting scores of 65, 65, 62, 65 over his four rounds. For the 32-year-old Japanese pro, it was his 11th PGA Tour win in 265 starts. He won the Sony Open on Oahu in 2022, and is now one of seven players to win both Hawaii events, joining Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson, Justin Thomas and Smith.

Morikawa said he felt like he left some shots and opportunities on the course, but could not take anything away from Matsuyama's play, especially his chip-in for eagle from 105 yards on the third hole Sunday.

*Morikawa putts on the Kapalua Plantation Course's 18th green Sunday afternoon.*

"Yeah, excuse my language, but 35-under par is, that's low," Morikawa said. "I mean, he was matching me yesterday shot for shot, and I felt like I was playing lights out, right? Like, yes, you could leave some shots out there, but you shoot 11-under on any golf course, you're going to be happy, right? Today he just never let up. Then you get to the third hole and the guy holes it. I just knew I had to be on top of everything, and just kind of let a few slip on that front nine. Played a good back nine, but to win on a course like this, conditions like this, you got to have it for 72, and I had it for 65."

*Matsuyama (left) pounds his drive off the tee on No. 16 as Morikawa looks on Sunday.*

Out of the $20 million purse, Matsuyama pocketed $3.6 million, Morikawa earned $2.2 million and third-place Im took home $1.4 million.

Matsuyama wins The Sentry going away

Two crowd favorites top crowded Kapalua leaderboard