Opinion | Hideki Matsuyama enters Masters title defence on the mend, but his place in golf history is already etched

The same golfing gods who ensured a historic first Masters Tournament triumph for Asia some 12 months ago are now being called upon to ensure Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama is fully fit to put up a worthy title defence this week.

His monumental one-stroke victory at Augusta National in Georgia sent a golf-loving nation into dizzying heights, leading thousands of enthusiasts to throng driving ranges, buy the same golf equipment that he uses and tee up at local golf courses while mimicking his trademark pause on the backswing as Matsuyama-mania gripped Japan.

As the country’s long-awaited first male major champion, it culminated with him receiving the Prime Minister’s Award as Matsuyama was hailed a hero upon his return to his homeland. Subsequent wins at the Zozo Championship, the PGA Tour’s only tournament in Japan, and Sony Open in Hawaii during a spectacular nine-month stretch of golf are now suddenly forgotten as he pulled out of his last two events, The Players Championship in early March and last week’s Valero Texas Open, because of a troubling neck and back injury.

The 30-year-old said he withdrew from Texas to preserve his body and channel all his focus and energy towards his return to Augusta National. It may not be the best of preparation for the year’s first major but for those who remember well, Matsuyama had stepped foot on Georgia’s hallowed turf a year ago without a hint that he would adorn the Green Jacket, until something “clicked” at the practice range on the eve of the Masters.

Mexican Abraham Ancer, who was one of Matsuyama’s playing partners in the opening two rounds last year, recalled the Japanese star enjoying the rub of the greens en route to rounds of 69 and 71 to position himself for a weekend major charge.

“It looked like he was playing some good golf and even if he hit a wayward shot, he found a way to make birdie or make the most out of it. Whenever you see somebody making the putts when they need to and if they happen to hit a wayward shot it happens to kick back onto the fairway, you can see it was something special brewing for sure,” said Ancer of his Presidents Cup International teammate.

Xander Schauffele had a front-row seat watching Matsuyama march towards Masters history in the final two rounds, much to his own dismay as he endured another close call at breaking his own major duck. The American star, who has close connections with Japan as his mother grew up in the country, said Matsuyama simply upped his game into full throttle after a weather-break during the third round where he blitzed the final eight holes in six-under.