Master stroke: MATSUYAMA Hideki secures historic win for Japan 

MATSUYAMA Hideki donned the famous green jacket in Augusta on Sunday as he claimed his first major title at the 2021 Masters; one of golf's most prestigious competitions alongside the US Open, the Open Championship and the PGA Championship.

The 29-year-old's remarkable achievement created history, as he became the first Japanese male golfer to win a major title and only second-ever in Asia following YANG Yong-eun from the Republic of South Korea, who won in the PGA Championship in 2009.

"I am really happy," Matsuyama said during the green jacket ceremony. "My nerves really didn't start on the back nine, it was right from the start and right until the very last putt.

"I was thinking about them [friends and family] all the way around. I am really happy I played well for them. Hopefully I will be a pioneer and many other Japanese players will follow and I am glad to open the floodgates."

Right after his victory, Matsuyama’s Japanese caddie, HAYAFUJI Shota, made a symbolic gesture when he replaced the pin of the 18th hole, removed his hat and bowed to the course.

"I was happy for him because it was his first victory on the bag" Matsuyama said. "When I saw my caddie and hugged him... and then it started sinking in the joy of being a Masters champion."

Two female Japanese golfers have won majors previously - HIGUCHI Hisako at the 1977 LPGA Championship and SHIBUNO Hinako at the Women’s British Open in 2019 - but the only male player that has come close to winning a major championship before Matsuyama’s victory was AOKI Isao, who finished as a runner-up at the 1980 US Open.

"Making Japan proud"

Messages of congratulations to Matsuyama have poured in from around the world.

Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, who is recovering from a recent car crash, took to Twitter to note the significance of his achievement. "This historical Masters win will impact the entire golf world", he wrote, while British golfer Ian Poulter added: "You will truly enjoy this win with everyone back at home in Japan."

Meanwhile, two-time Masters winner Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson Jr. from United States, also chimed in on Twitter.

"What an achievement for you and for Japan. You’re inspiring young people everywhere to play golf," he said.

Back at his home nation, Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide also congratulated Matsuyama.

"Not only is it he the first Japanese to win a major tournament, but the Masters are also the first time an Asian has won, which is a great achievement," Suga posted on his Twitter account.

"I look forward to further success in the future."

Meanwhile, Japanese tennis ace player NISHIKORI Kei also offered his best wishes to the new golf champ.

"Matsuyama is amazing! I was impressed. Congratulations on winning!," Nishokori tweeted.

Football legend KAGAWA Shinji tweeted his approval, declaring himself "excited and impressed" by the victory. MUROFUSHI Koji was equally enthusiastic, noting that the "the green jacket looks good" on Matsuyama.

Matsuyama, who is currently world no 25, is one of the major contenders to represent Japan at Tokyo 2020, but with two spots guaranteed for the host nation in the 60-player field for the Olympics, fans will have to wait until June when the Olympic Golf ranking is confirmed to see whether the newly crowned Masters champion will represent his nation at a home Games.

Golf will return to the Olympic fold after being reintroduced at the Rio 2016 Games following a 112-year absence, but how much do you know about the sport ahead of this summer? You can find out about the top players, the history of the sport and where and when it will take place, on Tokyo 2020.