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Matsuyama Forces WM Phoenix Open Playoff with Late Bogey Drama

Hideki Matsuyama’s final hole bogey sets up another thrilling playoff finish at TPC Scottsdale’s famous Stadium Course.

The PGA Tour‘s most raucous venue has delivered another dramatic finish, as Hideki Matsuyama bogeyed the final hole to force a playoff at the WM Phoenix Open. The Japanese star’s stumble on the 18th hole at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course has set up yet another overtime finish at golf’s loudest tournament.

Matsuyama appeared to be in control heading into the final hole, but the pressure of Sunday at the Stadium Course proved costly. The bogey dropped him back into a tie, extending what has already been a tension-filled final round in front of the tournament’s famously boisterous galleries.

Stadium Course Delivers Again

The Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish-designed Stadium Course continues to provide drama befitting its reputation as the PGA Tour event with the largest attendance of any golf tournament worldwide. The 2014-renovated layout, particularly famous for its par-3 16th hole that transforms into “The Coliseum” during tournament play, has once again delivered a finish worthy of its massive audience.

The WM Phoenix Open’s unique atmosphere, created by galleries that can exceed 200,000 spectators over the week, adds an element to professional golf found nowhere else on tour. Players must navigate not only the challenging desert layout but also the energy and noise levels that would be more at home in a football stadium than on a golf course.

Playoff Format Continues

This marks another playoff finish for the tournament, adding to the event’s rich history of dramatic conclusions. The sudden-death format will test the players’ nerves once more, with the raucous Scottsdale crowd providing a backdrop unlike any other in professional golf.

As the players prepare for the extra holes, the Stadium Course’s challenging finishing stretch will once again determine a champion. CBS coverage continues as the drama unfolds in the Arizona desert.

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