WM PHOENIX OPEN

February 7, 2026

Hideki Matsuyama

TPC Scottsdale

Quick Quotes

Q. Obviously this is nothing new for you to be in contention going into a Sunday, but how exciting is it to get to play with Ryo, a guy who has always looked up to you in this setting?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: (Through translation.) Yeah, it was a great day today. Kind of a first today for Japan to have two Japanese pros play in a final group. I was hoping we could do it tomorrow, but, again, I hope tomorrow just to play well and stay on top.

Q. You won the tournament twice. You're back atop the leaderboard going into Sunday again. How does that affect your comfortability knowing you know the course well?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: (Through translation.) Having won here twice, it does help, but it's a brand new tournament and there is a lot of guys there at the top that will be battling.

So I just need to play well.

Q. Why do you like this course so much?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: (Through translation.) I like this course because even if I miss a fairway I can still find my ball. Unless it's in the cactuses.

Q. How long have you known Ryo and what lessons have you tried to give him over the years?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: (Through translation.) As far as advice, I mean, I don't need to give him advice. He's paid his dues on the DP World Tour, coming over here, playing well. He's a really fine player, so there is nothing really I can say to help him out.

Q. And how long have you known each other?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: (Through translation.) Probably four five years ago I met him and we've played on the tour together a little bit in Japan.