Hideki Matsuyama produced a sensational closing 61 to win his second World Golf Championships title at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational last August.
The Japanese entered the tournament as World Number Three and began Sunday at Firestone Country Club two shots off the lead. However, he was simply unstoppable, making seven birdies and an eagle to get to 16 under and finish five shots ahead of American Zach Johnson.
Matsuyama won his first European Tour trophy at the WGC-HSBC Champions in October 2016 during a run where won four times in five months worldwide and on the evidence of his performance in Akron, more wins cannot be far away.
"That might be the best round I've ever played," he said. "This is Firestone Country Club, it's such a difficult golf course and to play as well as I did here, I'm thrilled.
"I did hit some good shots but I was nervous all the way around because I really wasn't sure of my swing today.
"All I can do is my best. I know a lot of us have tried from Japan to win Majors. Hopefully some day it will happen."
