Hideki Matsuyama narrowly avoided disaster during the first round of the Sony Open when his driver flew out of his hands toward some fans.

It’s been an eventful year for Hideki Matsuyama thus far and we’re only 1.25 tournaments in. After a red-hot 35 under at The Sentry—featuring a PGA Tour-record, 33 birdies—Matsuyama has kept things interesting at the Sony Open

Hideki Matsuyama finished the first round of the Sony Open in Hawaii three-under, which was good enough for a 17-way tie for 26th place. Matsuyama had a pretty eventful round considering he only carded one bogey.

On the ninth hole at the Sony Open in Hawaii, the former Masters champion hit an iffy tee shot, but it was his driver that ended up being the truly errant projectile. Matsuyama lost grip of the club on his follow through, sending it into the observers' area.

Hideki Matsuyama sparked fury on social media after launching his driver into the crowd at the Sony Open in Hawaii. The 32-year-old was lucky to avoid injuring fans when the club flew out of his hands at the start of the ninth hole.

Hideki Matsuyama is the favorite at the Sony Open in Hawaii after winning The Sentry last week. Dennis Esser has picks for the tournament.