Hideki Matsuyama is a Japanese golfer from Ehime Prefecture and the 2021 Masters champion. With 10 PGA Tour victories, he is the most successful Japanese male golfer in PGA Tour history and a national sporting icon.
Matsuyama’s iron play is among the finest in professional golf. His ball-striking from long range is exceptionally pure, producing a piercing trajectory that holds its line in wind and finds greens with remarkable consistency. His deliberate pre-shot routine and intense focus on the course reflect a perfectionist approach to the game. While his putting can be inconsistent, when his stroke is on, he is capable of dominating fields on the most demanding course setups. His physical durability has allowed him to maintain a high level of play across multiple seasons despite a grueling global travel schedule.
The 2021 Masters was a watershed moment for Japanese golf. Matsuyama led after each of the final three rounds at Augusta National, becoming the first Japanese male golfer to win a major championship. The victory was met with enormous celebrations across Japan and cemented his legacy in the sport. Beyond Augusta, Matsuyama has contended at multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships, with a runner-up finish at the 2024 Masters adding to his credentials. His ability to perform under the pressure of representing an entire nation’s golfing hopes adds a unique dimension to his competitive profile.
Matsuyama will play all four 2026 majors: The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. Japanese fans can follow tee times in Japan time.