Hideki Matsuyama shot a 3-over-par 74 in Sunday's final round of the BMW Championship to finish tied for 35th at 2-under for the tournament, won for the second straight year by Patrick Cantlay.
The American defended his title by shooting a 69 on the last day at Wilmington Country Club to finish 14 under for the tournament, beating countryman Scott Stallings by a single stroke. Compatriots Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele finished a further stroke back in a tie for third.
Matsuyama sank two birdies but marred his scorecard with a bogey on the first and a quadruple-bogey on the par-5 12th.
The 2021 Masters winner, who has been dealing with a neck injury and wrist pain, headed into the final day seven strokes off the lead in a tie for 18th following rounds of 70, 67 and 71.
"The pain didn't get any stronger and I got through it quickly, so that was really good," Matsuyama said. "Whenever I play, I want to get a good score, so I'm disappointed I couldn't make my shots and putts as expected."
Matsuyama finished the tournament ranked 17th in this season's PGA standings and has qualified along with the other top 30 players for the Tour Championship teeing off Thursday at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
"I want to make sure I'm in good physical shape and do my best," he said.
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