Can Hideki Matsuysama Do The Double For Japan At Augusta National?
Can Hideki Matsuysama Do The Double For Japan At Augusta National?
After Tsubasa Kajitani's success at the Augusta National Women's Amateur. Hideki Matsuyama will have the opportunity to claim Japan's second victory at Augusta National in a matter of weeks.
Can Hideki Matsuysama Do The Double For Japan At Augusta National?
Japanese star, Hideki Matsuyama, produced a stunning round of 65 during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National.
The 29-year-old has a fantastic record at Augusta, producing six consecutive top-30 finishes.
Matsuyama, who finished as the leading amateur in 2011, managed five birdies and an eagle during his third round to sit four shots clear of nearest challengers Xander Schauffele, Justin Rose, Will Zalatoris and Marc Leishmann.
Although the 29-year-old will be looking for his first Major triumph, he will also be hoping to join fellow Japanese star, Tsubasa Kajitani, who claimed the Augusta National Women's Amateur last week.
The 17-year-old, who was the youngest player to qualify for the top-30 at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, defeated American Emilia Migliaccio in a playoff to claim the biggest win of her life.
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Kajitani managed to hole a five-foot-putt at the first playoff hole to win the title, saying afterwards: “I wasn’t expected to win this tournament and I was just really happy to be here. I can’t really describe it.”
Commenting on Kajitani's victory, Matsuyama said: "I was playing last week in Texas so I didn't get to see her victory, but it was fantastic, and I hope I can follow in her shoes and make Japan proud."
With the famous win, Matsuyama now has the chance to claim Japan's second victory in as many weeks at Augusta National.
It isn't just Kajitani that has enjoyed a Major success this season. At the start of April, Thailand's Patty Tavatanakit claimed her first Major championship at the ANA Inspiration with rounds of 66 - 69 - 67 - 68 meaning a two-shot victory over Lydia Ko.
Matsuyama will now be aiming to replicate Kajitani and Tavatanakit's success when he tees off at Augusta National on Sunday.
Related: The Masters Tee Times: Round Four
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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