Hideki Matsuyama has won the Bridgestone Invitational by five shots in Ohio. The world number three has now won five PGA Tour titles in his career, and has marked this latest win with a record equaling nine under par 61. Matsuyama becomes the fourth player after Jose Maria Olazabal, Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia; to achieve nine under par 61 on Firestone Country Club’s South Course. Fans were treated to a quality display of golf with an eagle and seven birdies from the first player from Asia to win one of golf’s coveted WGC titles.

The 25-year-old gained momentum with an eagle on the par five second, where Hideki chipped in from just off the green; and this was then followed birdies at the third, sixth and ninth holes to finish 16 under total of 264. However, there was pressure from the American Charley Hoffman, who enjoyed a superb run to climb to just one shot behind the Japanese, with five birdies in his first eleven holes. Unfortunately, Charley was not able to take advantage of this, and faded away and finished in third place on 270.

Another contender, Zach Johnson had an overnight lead with Thomas Pieters; but both players were not able to sustain the pressure on Matsuyama. On the day Johnson got three birdies and a bogey for his two under par score; and finished in second place with a 269 score. The Belgian Pieters’ one over 71 could only get him fourth place on 272.

Four players ended up sharing fifth place on 273, Paul Casey, Rory Mcllroy, Russel Knox and Canadian Adam Hadwin. One has to look to 7th place to see Australian Scott Hend register a score of 275, with fellow Australian Adam Scott finishing on 276.

This WGC win now makes the talented Hideki Matsuyama the favourite to win the US PGA Championship with all reputable online sports betting operators. So, for example trusted sports betting operator Unibet has priced up Matsuyama to become the first Japanese player to win a major championship, at 6/4. The second favourite, American Kevin Kisner is at 7/2, with his fellow countryman Justin Thomas being 5/1 third favourite.

World number seven and PGA tour member, Australian Jason Day is priced up as 80/1; and thus it is clear that bookmakers do not regard this former world number one, as one of the main challengers to win the tournament. On the other hand, stranger things have happened and fans will be encouraged with his early form in the event.