29-year-old Hideki Matsuyama made history by winning the 2021 Masters at the Augusta National in Georgia, United States, winning his first gold major and becoming the first Japanese man to win a golf major.
Dustin Johnson, the winner of last year, presented Matsuyama with his Green Jacket for winning the 85th edition of the Masters.
What made the victory sweeter for Matsuyama is the fact that he had made a great debut as an amateur at Augusta National a decade back.
“I’m really happy,” he said after his stellar victory. “My nerves really didn’t start on the second nine. It was right from the start today and right to the very last putt. I was thinking about (my family) all the way round today and I’m really happy I played well for them. Hopefully I’ll be a pioneer and many other Japanese people will follow. I’m glad to be able to open the flood gates hopefully and many more will follow me.”
Congratulations poured in from all quarters for the new champion with many, including from five-time Masters winner Tiger Woods.
“Making Japan proud Hideki. Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment for you and your country. This historical @TheMasters win will impact the entire golf world,” he tweeted in support of Matsuyama.
Making Japan proud Hideki. Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment for you and your country. This historical @TheMasters win will impact the entire golf world.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 11, 2021
24-year-old Masters first-timer Will Zalatoris from the United States was the runner-up and this was the best performance by a rookie to the Masters since Jordan Spieth, who came second in 2014 to Bubba Watson.
Interestingly, two Japanese women golfers have won golf majors in the past: Hinako Shibuno won the Women’s British Open in 2019 while Chako Higuchi won at the 1977 LPGA Championship.
Isn’t this a remarkable feat by Matsuyama? What do you think about this victory? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
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