What kept Hideki Matsuyama winless since 2017 despite strong ball striking?

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Hideki Matsuyama's Putting Struggles Have Hindered His Performance Since 2017

Despite being recognised as one of golf's premier ball strikers, Hideki Matsuyama has remained winless on the PGA Tour since 2017 primarily due to significant challenges with his putting. While his performance in tee-to-green play and approach shots consistently ranks him among the elite, his putting statistics have lagged considerably, preventing him from converting strong play into victories. This disparity highlights the critical role putting plays in professional golf, even for players with exceptional ball-striking abilities.
Matsuyama's Dominance in Ball Striking

Hideki Matsuyama has consistently demonstrated elite-level ball-striking, a facet of the game that underpins his reputation. Over the years, he has frequently achieved high rankings in key statistics such as Strokes Gained: Tee to Green and Approach the Green. For instance, in the previous season, he finished second and fifth respectively in these categories, showcasing his proficiency in navigating the course from the tee to the green. This sustained excellence in ball striking indicates a player who can position himself effectively for scoring opportunities.
Consistent Ranking in Putting Statistics

In stark contrast to his ball-striking prowess, Matsuyama's performance on the greens has been a persistent area of concern. His Strokes Gained: Putting statistic has placed him in a disadvantageous position, ranking 170th in the past and currently sitting at 158th in the 2020-21 season. This indicates that he is losing strokes to the field on the greens, a deficit that can be difficult to overcome even with superior ball striking. Golf analyst Nick Faldo has observed this uneasiness with the putter, suggesting it is a noticeable aspect of Matsuyama's game.
The Crucial Role of Putting in Professional Golf

In professional golf, the adage "Drive for Show and Putt for Dough" underscores the importance of putting. While powerful drives and accurate approach shots can set up birdies opportunities, it is the ability to convert these chances on the green that ultimately determines success. A player's putting performance, measured by metrics like Strokes Gained: Putting, quantifies how many strokes they gain or lose against the average PGA Tour player on the greens. Even a slight deficiency in this area can negate the advantages gained elsewhere, as seen in Matsuyama's case, where strong ball striking has not translated into wins due to putting struggles.

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What kept Hideki Matsuyama winless since 2017 despite strong ball striking?

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