Hideki Matsuyama made history on Sunday after winning his first major title. Matsuyama became the first Japanese man to win a major and the first Asian-born to win the Masters.
Matsuyama, 29, finished with a 1-over 73 for a 1-shot victory to clinch the prestigious Master’s championship. The Japanese golfer bested a close challenge in both Xander Schauffele and rookie Will Zalatoris.
Matsuyama built a six-shot lead near the end of the tournament before Schauffele made a late run. On a four-shot lead, Matsuyama went for the green in two on the par-5 15th, and the ball bounced off the back slope and into the pond on the 16th hole. The golfer was able to walk away with a bogey.
Schauffele managed to get four straight birdies to trim Matsuyama’s lead to just two with three to play. Unfortunately, Schauffele’s next shot ended his chance to trim the lead and pass Matsuyama. Shauffele’s next tee shot on the par-3 16th bounced off the hill and dribbled into the pond. The third shot ended up in the gallery, and Shauffele ended with a triple bogey. Schauffele ended up tied for third place.
Rookie Zalatoris was the closest to the Japanese golfer. The 24-year-old managed to finish with a 70 after he holed an 18-foot par putt on the last hole. Zalatoris ended second place in the tournament.
“I’m really happy,” Matsuyama said before Dustin Johnson helped him put on the green jacket. “Hopefully, I’ll be a pioneer, and many other Japanese will follow.”
PGA legend golfer Tiger Woods congratulated the Japanese golfer for his victory. “Making Japan proud Hideki,” Woods wrote. “Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment for you and your country.”
