Hideki Matsuyama what's in the bag

Hideki Matsuyama what’s in the bag – The Japanese star has been one of the most consistent performers on tour over the past few years.

He would have won a lot more had it not been for a misbehaving putter as his approach play and ball-striking are up there with the best.

Something definitely clicked in Shanghai as he blew a world class field away to win by seven shots from Henrik Stenson and Daniel Berger.

Rory McIlroy was a further shot back.

Matsuyama, a Srixon and Cleveland Golf staff player, is not one for the very latest equipment as most of his gear is at least a couple of years old – apart from a TaylorMade M2 Tour 3-iron.

He still relies on the Srixon Z945 irons from 4-PW and has the Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 wedges in play.

His ball of choice is the Srixon Z-Star XV as used by fellow Srixon players Shane Lowry, Graeme McDowell and Russell Knox.

As McIlroy was making noise for using a new TaylorMade M2 driver and 3-wood, Matsuyama was getting the job done with the TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2 3-wood with which the M2 shares similar technology.

We’ve seen Matsuyama play a number of different drivers over the years but it’s no surprise to see him currently gaming the Callaway Great Big Bertha – one of the best-looking and top-performing drivers from the last 18 months.

Matsuyama made a stunning 29 birdies as he reached his winning score of -23 with his Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS Timeless working to devastating effect.

“I was really nervous at the start of the day, but I was able to birdie hole number one,” Matsuyama said.

“I kind of got myself into the rhythm of the day, and after that it was smooth sailing.

“I really don’t know why I played well this week. Over the last three years I’ve had to withdraw twice and I didn’t play very well the other year. But I got off to a good start and I really didn’t make any changes to my swing or anything else. I have putted really well these last three weeks, and that’s probably the difference.

“My next goal is, of course, to win a Major, and I’m going to do all that I can to prepare well for that.”