Hideki Matsuyama has shared an injury update after his first-round 67 in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.
The 32-year-old is currently tied for second behind Shane Lowry after the Irishman’s impressive round of 66.
Matsuyama kicked off with a birdie on the 1st before picking up shots on the par-five fourth and par-four sixth holes to see him out in -3. A mixed back nine was saved by an eagle on the par five 16th.
Pars, on the final two holes, completed an excellent round for the Japanese star.
Despite the impressive start at Bay Hill, Matsuyama was seen in visible pain at times on Thursday. The 32-year-old has suffered from long-term back issues and pulled out of the 2023 BMW Championship last year.
And now, after his round at Bay Hill, he has shared an update on his current injury issues.
Hideki Matsuyama drops injury update
Talking to the media after, the 32-year-old admitted he was “really sore”.
“It hurt, but I’m glad I made it 18 holes,” he said.
“I often used shots that were not at full power. I thought the pain had gone away after the 9th hole but by the time I finished, it was really sore again.”
Matsuyama also admitted that his legs were also impacted.
“My legs were also a little numb,” he added.
Considering his previous injury issues, the 32-year-old deserves credit after battling his way to -5. Ahead of the weekend, it will be about managing his body and ensuring he’s well-rested in between rounds.
It’s been an excellent start to the year for the Japanese player, winning The Genesis Open at The Riviera Country Club in February. Unsurprisingly, his performances have caught the eye of Greg Norman and the LIV Golf contingent.
The $4million win is the perfect build-up to the first Major of the year at Augusta at the start of April.
However, things could have been different for Matsuyama had Jordan Speith not been disqualified after signing an incorrect score after his second round.
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