Matsuyama Seizes Masters Lead With Stunning Bogey-free 65 By Jim SLATER
04/10/21 AT 8:38 PM
Hideki Matsuyama unleashed an incredible back-nine shotmaking display to seize a four-stroke lead after Saturday s third round of the Masters, putting the Japanese star on the brink of a historic triumph at Augusta National.
Matsuyama, trying to become the first Japanese man to win a major title, fired a seven-under par 65, his career-low 18-hole Masters total and the first bogey-free round of the week, to stand on 11-under 205 after 54 holes. It will be a new experience for me being a leader going into the final round of a major, Matsuyama said. I guess I ll relax as best I can and do my best tomorrow.
1. Hideki Matsuyama (-11): Currently carrying the second-longest active streak for rounds at or below par, Matsuyama is prepared to put an ending on a Masters story that began with him as the low amateur back in 2011. While other golfers struggled with Augusta National in tough scoring conditions, Hideki thrived and proved doubters wrong with a putter that has let him down in the past in majors. But before we start writing the storybook ending, that putter has to stay hot or at least not be a liability for 18 holes on Sunday. The hard and fast greens got significantly softer Saturday afternoon after rain in Augusta, and Matsuyama benefited more than anyone. What happens if they are firm and fast again Sunday?
Doug Ferguson
Will Zalatoris putts on the 13th hole during the third round of the Masters golf tournament on Saturday, April 10, 2021, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) April 10, 2021 - 5:57 PM
AUGUSTA, Ga. - Hideki Matsuyama showed he could handle Augusta National when he first showed up as a 19-year-old amateur. Ten years later, the Japanese star put himself on the cusp of a green jacket Saturday at the Masters.
In a stunning turnaround after storms doused the course, Matsuyama had four birdies, an eagle and a superb par at the end of a 7-under 65, turning a three-shot deficit into a four-shot lead as he tries to become the first Japanese player to win a major.
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