Hideki Matsuyama produced a composed final-round performance this past Sunday to win the 2021 Masters, becoming the first Japanese golfer to ever win a men’s Major.
It was a day worth remembering for the 29-year-old, who battled with extreme determination and resilience to hold his own and bag the greatest achievement in golf – the Green Jacket.
A bogey on the first hole provided some early jitters for Matsuyama and constant attempts from American Will Zalatoris to hit the front in the final round made for a decent battle to end off the week.
Matsuyama responded with birdies on the 2nd, 8th and 9th holes to move to 13 under par as he turned for the final nine holes.
A bogey on the 12th was immediately followed by another birdie on 13 to maintain his lead over Zalatoris.
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It was Matsuyama’s championship to lose and not even two consecutive bogeys on 15 and 16 could derail his momentum as he tapped in for par on 17th hole to take a two-shot lead into hole 72.
The Japanese golfer smashed his drive down the fairway before his second shot missed the green to stop on the slope of the bunker. He managed to chip it close, leaving a five-foot putt for par and two shots for victory.
Matsuyama missed the par attempt but it was enough for him to tap in for bogey and secure victory. His impressive third-round performance ultimately proved the difference as he edged Zalatoris by one stroke with a winning score of 11 under par.
Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele signed off in T3 on seven under par for the week, while Jon Rahm produced a brilliant final-round display to move to six under on Sunday, alongside Marc Leishman and Justin Rose.
South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel both finished their week on one over par, while Christiaan Bezuidenhout signed off on four over.
