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Home » Hideki Matsuyama wins 2021 US Masters at Augusta

Hideki Matsuyama wins 2021 US Masters at Augusta

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Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese golfer to win the Masters when holding on for a one-shot victory at Augusta.

It was a historic win as Matsuyama not only became the first Japanese US Masters winner but also the first male player from Japan to win a major.

A final round 73, one over par, saw Matsuyama finish the week on 10-under par. It was enough to end a shot clear of Will Zalatoris, who shot a final round two-under to finish runner-up with a dream US Masters 2021 result on his debut.

A triple-bogey on the 16th cost Xander Schauffele his chance of a first major as he ended three shots adrift on seven-under. He was tied third with former Masters champion Jordan Spieth.

Hideki Matsuyama 2021 US Masters Reaction

“I am really happy,” Matsuyama said. “My nerves really didn’t start on the back nine, it was right from the start and right until the very last putt.

“I was thinking about them [friends and family] all the way around. I am really happy I played well for them.

“Hopefully I will be a pioneer and many other Japanese players will follow and I am glad to open the floodgates.

“It’s thrilling to think there are a lot of youngsters in Japan watching today. Hopefully in five, 10 years, when they get a little older, some of them will be competing on the world stage.”

How Matsuyama Won The 2021 Masters

A seven-under third round 65 had set Matsuyama up for victory. He started the final day on 11-under, four shots clear of the field.

Matsuyama had reached 13-under during the final round before faltering and slipping to within the clutches of the chasing pack.

But the world number 25 in the Official World Golf Rankings had a double bogey on the 16th, the same time Shauffele was carding a triple bogey of his own, to hand a glimmer of hope to debutant Zalatoris.

With a two-shot lead going down the last, Matsuyama could afford a bogey on 18 to seal a first green jacket to add to the top amateur title he won at Augusta 10 years ago.

Jon Rahm produced the best Sunday round with his six-under 66 elevating him fifth place on six-under overall.

US Masters 2021 Result

Full 2021 US Masters Leaderboard