Matsuyama becomes first Japanese in Masters green jacket : The Asahi Shimbun asahi.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from asahi.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Masters is a win for Hideki Matsuyama, and for Japan
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) The question became inevitable at some of the bigger golf tournaments, whether it was for Jordan Spieth or Tiger Woods. And it had nothing to do with them.
Japanese reporters, having quietly rehearsed the words in English, wanted to know what the best players thought of Hideki Matsuyama.
This wasn’t about validation. Everyone knew he could play.
Matsuyama was still in college when he won his first professional event. He made the cut at the Masters as a 19-year-old amateur. He won the Japan Golf Tour money title as a rookie. When he played in the Presidents Cup at age 21, he had more wins that year than anyone on his team.
“However, I m the first to win a major, he said through his interpreter. “And if that s the bar, then I ve set it.” Staked to a four-shot lead, the nerves stayed with Matsuyama from the time he hit his opening tee shot into the trees to back-to-back birdies that led to a six-shot lead to a few nervous moments at the end when Xander Schauffele made a late run at him. Only when he belted his drive down the 18th fairway and twirled the club in his hands could he feel this victory was in hand. He played so well for so long that three bogeys over the last four holes made this Masters look closer than it was.
Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama hopes win elevates golf in Japan usatoday.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from usatoday.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.