Masters never gets old for 2021 champion Hideki Matsuyama
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama is back at Augusta National and sat down for an interview Monday as he and other players shoot practice rounds ahead of the tournament’s official start Thursday.
This year is Matsuyama’s 13th appearance at Augusta.
He’s made the cut almost every time.
What experiences has he developed in Augusta?
“It was really a long learning process on playing the course and how the course should be played here at Augusta National,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful experience, and I’ve learned a lot. Luckily, I was able to win and now preparing to hopefully get back into the winner’s circle here and another green jacket.”
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The Masters victory is something that will never leave Matsuyama.
“Winning the Asian Amateur twice and being invited to the Masters tournament was really life-changing,” he said. “I always wanted to play here in the Masters. I watched it on TV a lot. I’m grateful to the of Augusta National Golf Club for what they have done, not only for me, but for golf in Asia. It’s been quite rewarding. Then to be able to win this tournament was a thrill beyond thrills. Again, I’m preparing hard to be able to do that again.”
With a mostly dry week in store but also some rain in the forecast, it could be a mixed bag for players.
He knows about the challenges of each situation.
“The course plays differently, of course, like you know, between wet and dry. If the course is playing hard and fast, it’s more difficult. Winning score is usually lower – not lower, but higher. When it’s wet, I mean, it can go to 20-under,” he said.
“I like both, but if it goes to 20-under, my chances are – get slimmer. So, I would like a more, tougher setup where it plays drier, fast and hard. I think I have a better chance when it’s playing that way.”
As many times as he’s been to the Masters, he’s still drawn to the golf shop.
“I always go to the pro shop and do some shopping,” he said. “The one thing I do buy every year, though, is a hundred pin flags and I’ll sign them and give them to our sponsors and guests and my friends.”
What’s his favorite thing about coming?
“Just playing at Augusta National, that’s what I look forward to, yeah,” he said.
“Coming back to Augusta, I mean, it never gets old. I look forward, especially this year, to the Champion’s Dinner. It will be quite an event. I don’t have to worry about the menu or anything, just enjoy.”
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