AUGUSTA | Even if he is not in his greatest physical shape, Hideki Matsuyama will defend his green jacket.
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In his last two starts, the one who already has two wins this season was forced to forfeit due to a persistent neck injury.
Since round two of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in early March, the 30-year-old Japanese hasn’t been able to complete a full swing at full power without experiencing pain.
At the Texas Open last Thursday, he retired after an opening round of 74.
But since the beginning of the week in Augusta, he feels much better. He played his practice rounds along with many other Asian golfers. On Tuesday, he also started with Keita Nakajima and Takumi Kanaya, two winners of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, one of the routes leading to Augusta.
“The treatments are working. I got up without pain on Monday and Tuesday, which is a good sign. My neck, however, was a little stiffer this morning. My preparation for the practice field in the morning went well. I haven’t felt this good in a long time. I hope to fully heal before this defense begins. »
This allows him to look forward in the short term, because last weekend, by his approach, the chances that he could participate in this Masters were rather slim.
A great year
Since leaving Augusta National in April 2021, the Japanese man’s life has completely changed. He took sick care not to crease his famous green jacket.
If the winner in 2017, the Spaniard Sergio Garcia, wore it as often as he had the opportunity, Matsuyama did not even want to have it cleaned.
“I was too scared that something would happen,” he joked. I never wanted to take my eyes off him. I think I spent a whole year contemplating it. »
“And I’m thinking now, as we go back to this week of the Masters, that I should have worn it more often. »
With the Prime Minister
Nonetheless, the golfer donned it to meet Japan’s Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, bestowing him a well-deserved honor weeks after his triumph.
He was also privileged to participate in the Olympics at home last summer, wearing the label of the newest holder of the green jacket. But Thursday, at the Texas Open, it was presented as such for the last time on the PGA Tour. Which made her heart ache.
Matsuyama can take comfort, as he will hear it again on Wednesday before his first tee shot.
His first major career conquest allowed him to gain confidence. He has long carried the full weight of Asia on his shoulders in this regard.
Do well on the greens
Matsuyama finished last season well with two top 10 finishes. But above all, this victory gave him an excellent start to the 2021-2022 campaign. In his first 11 outings, he already has four top 10 finishes, including two wins.
“This win really helped me. It was good for my game. I hope it will continue,” said Matsuyama.
He’s a PGA Tour leader in almost every column except one: on the greens.
That’s the key to Augusta. He will have to find his means there if he wishes to defend this jacket with vigor.
