Weekend Golf Roundup: Matsuyama Dominates in Bahamas, Neergaard-Petersen Stuns in Melbourne
The golf world witnessed two remarkable finishes over the weekend, as Hideki Matsuyama claimed his second Hero World Challenge title in dramatic playoff fashion, while 27-year-old Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen captured his maiden DP World Tour victory at the Australian Open with a nerves-of-steel performance at Royal Melbourne.
Both tournaments delivered the kind of tension and excitement that reminds us why golf remains one of the most compelling sports on the planet. Here's everything you need to know about these two thrilling conclusions.
Hero World Challenge: Matsuyama Bookends Historic Season
At Albany Golf Club in Nassau, Bahamas, Hideki Matsuyama delivered yet another reminder of why he's among the most clutch performers in professional golf. The 2021 Masters champion captured the Hero World Challenge with a birdie on the first playoff hole, defeating Sweden's Alex Noren in the first playoff at the event since 2013.
A Final Round for the Ages
Matsuyama entered Sunday's round three strokes behind leader Sepp Straka and two back of world number one Scottie Scheffler. What followed was nothing short of spectacular.
Wearing his traditional yellow final-round shirt, Matsuyama fired a bogey-free 8-under 64 that included one of the shots of the year—a hole-out eagle from 116 yards on the par-4 10th hole. That single swing changed everything, allowing him to leapfrog Straka and Scheffler to seize control of the tournament.
"That eagle on 10 was huge," Matsuyama said through his interpreter. "I knew I needed something special, and to hole out from that distance gave me so much confidence for the rest of the round."
The Playoff Drama
After 72 holes, Matsuyama and Noren were deadlocked at 22-under par. Noren had forced the playoff with an 18-foot birdie putt on the final hole of regulation, capping his own impressive 64.
On the first playoff hole, Matsuyama struck a brilliant 9-iron approach that settled just two feet from the cup. The resulting birdie secured his 21st worldwide victory and his second Hero World Challenge title, adding to his wins in 2016 and now 2025.
Other Notable Performances
Alex Noren continues his resurgent form with a runner-up finish. The Swedish veteran's 64 in the final round showed he still possesses the game to compete at the highest level.
Sepp Straka held the 54-hole lead but couldn't maintain his momentum on Sunday, finishing one shot back in solo third at 21-under.
Scottie Scheffler, the world number one who was seeking a three-peat at the Hero World Challenge, had to settle for a share of fourth place at 20-under alongside U.S. Open champion JJ Spaun. It marked the first time in his last five appearances that Scheffler failed to finish in the top two.
Tournament host Tiger Woods was unable to compete this year as he continues recovering from microdecompression surgery on his lower back performed in September. Woods, a five-time champion of the event, remained involved as host and presented the trophy to Matsuyama on Sunday.
Australian Open: Neergaard-Petersen's Dramatic Breakthrough
Half a world away at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, the Australian Open produced one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory. Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, a 27-year-old from Denmark making his first real splash on the DP World Tour, held off the challenge of home favorite Cameron Smith to claim his maiden tour victory.
A Thrilling 72nd Hole
The final hole at Royal Melbourne will be remembered for years to come. Neergaard-Petersen and Smith were tied as they approached the final green, with thousands of spectators from a sellout crowd surrounding the putting surface.
When Neergaard-Petersen's approach sailed right into thick rough, it appeared Smith—who had found the green with his approach—was destined to claim his beloved national championship. The LIV Golf star had been chasing this title for years, and it seemed the golfing gods were finally smiling on him.
But golf has a way of writing its own scripts. Neergaard-Petersen produced a brilliant chip to 10 feet and calmly rolled in the par putt. Moments later, Smith—with the championship seemingly in his grasp—three-putted for bogey, handing the Dane an unlikely victory.
"I can't believe what just happened," an emotional Neergaard-Petersen said afterward. "To win my first DP World Tour event at a place like Royal Melbourne, against a player like Cameron Smith—it's beyond my wildest dreams."
More Than Just a Trophy
The victory carries significant implications beyond the trophy and prize money. As Australian Open champion, Neergaard-Petersen earns an exemption to the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National—a life-changing invitation for a player who had never previously won at this level.
The top three finishers not already exempt also earned spots in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next July, adding another layer of importance to every shot down the stretch.
Heartbreak for Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith's three-putt on the 72nd hole will haunt him for some time. The LIV Golf star and former Open champion had positioned himself perfectly for victory on home soil, only to watch it slip away in agonizing fashion.
This was Smith's first made cut in eight non-LIV starts this year, making the near-miss even more painful. The Australian had briefly held the lead during the third round before a closing bogey dropped him behind Neergaard-Petersen heading into Sunday.
Other Notable Stories
Si Woo Kim finished third at 13-under, earning his place in The Open Championship field at Royal Birkdale.
Adam Scott continued his remarkable Open Championship streak with a fifth-place finish. The 45-year-old former world number one will make his 26th consecutive Open appearance next year—an extraordinary achievement in longevity and consistency. Remarkably, despite his legendary status in Australian golf, this was Scott's first Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, as the prestigious event hadn't been held on the course's composite layout since 1991.
Rory McIlroy, making his first Australian Open appearance since 2015, had a turbulent week that included a bizarre whiff when his club got caught in tree branches during the second round. The four-time major champion recovered to make the cut but finished well back in the field, never truly contending for the title he won in 2013.
What These Results Mean for the Golf Calendar
Both victories carry weight heading into the new year. Matsuyama enters 2026 with tremendous confidence after a season that included two wins. His iron play remains among the best in the world, and his ability to produce clutch performances on the biggest stages makes him a threat at every major championship.
For Neergaard-Petersen, the Masters invitation represents a fairy tale opportunity. Players who break through for their first win often struggle with the pressure of maintaining that level, but earning a spot at Augusta National provides clear motivation and a specific goal to build toward.
The 2026 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with established stars like Matsuyama, Scheffler, and McIlroy joined by hungry young talents eager to make their mark on golf's biggest stages.
Improving Your Own Game
While most of us will never compete at Royal Melbourne or Albany Golf Club, there's plenty to learn from watching these elite performers. Matsuyama's clutch putting and Neergaard-Petersen's composure under pressure both highlight the importance of mental strength in golf.
Consider incorporating pressure practice into your routine. Set specific goals during practice sessions—like making a certain number of putts in a row before you can leave—to simulate tournament pressure. The more comfortable you become with elevated expectations, the better you'll perform when it matters most.
A consistent practice routine at home can also make a significant difference. Working on your putting stroke regularly, even for just 15-20 minutes a day, builds the muscle memory and confidence needed to perform under pressure. The best players in the world practice their short game religiously, and recreational golfers can benefit enormously from following their example.
About Chiputt Golf: Chiputt Golf is dedicated to helping golfers of all skill levels improve their short game through innovative golf training aids as well as expert guidance. Our team combines deep golf knowledge with cutting-edge technology to create products and content that deliver real results on the golf course.
