Hideki Matsuyama hits spectator after launching driver into crowd at Sony Open

Hideki Matsuyama launched his driver into the crowd after hitting an errant tee shot down the par-5 9th, but he still went on to record a birdie on the hole during the first round of the Sony Open.

Matsuyama, 32, is lining up at Waialae Country Club this week looking to become just the third player in PGA Tour history (Ernie Els 2003, Justin Thomas 2017) to win both The Sentry and Sony Open in consecutive weeks on the schedule. 

The Japanese star captured his 11th PGA Tour title last Sunday with a commanding three-shot victory at Kapalua to start the new season. 

He also set a new 72-hole PGA Tour low tournament score of 35-under par on the Plantation Course.

But so far at the Sony Open this week things have not been quite so straightforward for Matsuyama.

After playing his first eight holes in level par, Matsuyama thrashed away at his tee shot down the scorable par-5 9th.

Only he instantly hated his tee shot and his Srixon driver ended up accidentally flying into a group of spectators to the left of the tee box. 

Matsuyama quickly realised what had happened and he jogged over to the gallery to apologise for his error of judgement.

Thankfully the golf fan that was hit by the driver was fine. 

Watch what happened here: 

Matsuyama's tee shot ended up in the left rough and he was fortunate to have avoided the out of bounds guarding the left flank of the hole. 

He then threaded the eye of a needle by playing his second shot narrowly through a group of trees. 

It left Hideki in a state of shock.

Check out the shot and his reaction here:

His ball finished just shy of the green and he then got up and down for something of a dramatic birdie. 

Matsuyama is currently in the chasing pack as things stand in the first round. 

Here's how PGA Tour fans reacted to watching Hideki's driver clatter a spectator: 

Bet he said sorry in English

He's got to stop letting go of his club it's getting ridiculous now

No big deal. He didn't mean to do it and he ran over instantly.

Any pro throwing clubs after a swing like this is Busch league

In tennis you can get disqualified for something similar, Novak 2020 US Open for hitting a linesperson with a ball after losing his cool. There is no excuse, even if accidental there is no excuse for letting the club go. That act is deliberate.

This is why golf will be played in a studio soon, oh wait I meant already...

I have a feeling that this will bring him deep shame and he might stop doing this every 5th shot he hits

100% idiot

You know what it's his fault. He keeps moving to the one arm release after his downswing . Did it last week almost in disgust of his drive

Lady should get to keep his driver for that

Now maybe he will quit doing that stupid one arm move every single time he swings

Kick him off the Tour Doug...

Maybe stop doing this Hideki?! 

The one arm follow through is a joke now

Hideki needs to stop being so dramatic

Keep up to speed with live scores at the Sony Open here. 

Watched our latest video?