Tokyo, Japan: Hideki Matsuyama’s historic victory in the 85th edition of the Masters Tournament has provided a timely morale-boost in Japan.

In a thrilling denouement at Augusta National, 29-year-old Matsuyama withstood a nerve-jangling finale to write his name into golf’s history books as Asia’s first Masters winner.

After a roller-coaster final day at Augusta National, Matsuyama prevailed to also become the first male Japanese Major champion and only the second Asian to achieve the feat, following Korean YE Yang at the PGA Championship in 2009.

“I’m glad to open the floodgates,” said Matsuyama, a two-time former Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner who had triumphed five times previously on the PGA Tour.

There was an outpouring of joy, emotion and pride as a nation let its hair down in recognition of one of the greatest sporting feats ever achieved by a Japanese citizen.

Catching the mood was Isao Aoki, Chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organisation.

“This is the moment that golf fans and people from all over Japan have been waiting for,” said Aoki, referencing the way in which Matsuyama has now twice lifted the spirits of the nation, the first occasion coming in 2011 when he won the low amateur award on his first appearance at Augusta National.

Aoki said: “Just before Matsuyama went to America for the Masters in 2011, we were struck by an earthquake and many Japanese people were seriously injured. In brilliantly shining as the low amateur, he gave great courage to those who were affected.

“This time, we’re in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic with various restrictions imposed in Japan to stop the spread of the virus. By winning the Masters at a time where so many people are sad and depressed, Matsuyama has again given us hope. The sincere gratitude and blessing of the people of Japan are with Matsuyama.”

Tributes and well-wishes poured in for Matsuyama from across the Asia-Pacific golfing community.

“Huge congratulations to Hideki. He is a wonderful young man and a great golfer,” said Taimur Hassan Amin, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, who was non-playing captain of the Asia-Pacific amateur team in which Matsuyama competed against Europe in the 2012 Bonallack Trophy in Portugal.

“His victory at Augusta is not only a great day for Matsuyama, but also a great day for golf in Japan and across Asia. To see our two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner create this history will inspire a new generation of golfers from around the region,” added Hassan.