You just might see Hideki Matsuyama at East Lake after all. After he pulled out of the BMW Championship with a back injury, there was a real chance that he might miss the season-ending Tour Championship. But Matsuyama is desperate to take his shot at the $25 million winner’s paycheck.

Golf Injury Report, a social media handle tracking the injured players, posted a picture of Matsuyama practicing on the range. Per them, the former Masters Champion didn’t experience any trouble while swinging a club. Effectively, the 10-time PGA Tour winner has four days before the $100 million purse event begins at East Lake.

It might appear that Matsuyama pulled out of the BMW Championship as a precaution. The Japanese international cited lower back discomfort during practice rounds as the reason behind his withdrawal. At that time, Hideki Matsuyama was in hot pursuit of the first-round leader, Adam Scott. It was more disappointing for his fans, as Matsuyama looked poised to continue his spectacular run of form.

The 32-year-old netted his tenth career victory on the tour just a week ago at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. His concern was that he might slip in the FedEx Cup ranking. However, Matsuyama is still the third player, meaning should he sign up for the Tour Championship, he will start at 7-under.

The BMW Championship was the second time Hideki Matsuyama had to pull out due to injury this year. Previously, he had to withdraw from the Wells Fargo Championship, citing a back problem. Actually, his career has been plagued by injuries at the worst times.

Hideki Matsuyama’s injury history 

It was uncanny how Matsuyama pulled out of Castle Pines. Last year, too, the Japanese pro was forced to quit at the BMW Championship after the first round due to a lower back problem. The 32-year-old wasn’t very fortunate, as he was 47th in the FedEx Cup standings, crashing out of the Tour Championship. That broke his record of nine consecutive Tour Championship appearances.

Before that, in 2022, Matsuyama also pulled out of THE PLAYERS Championship due to a back injury. He was the only second reigning Masters champion to not be in the field since Bubba Watson in 2012.

Nevertheless, this year’s Tour Championship offers real hope for the Sendai resident. He will start three shots behind the current leader, Scottie Scheffler. But a three-shot lead can be wiped away and Hideki Matsuyama sure is the man for that. But he will need to bring the best version of himself to East Lake.