Hideki Matsuyama will represent his country in his home Olympics as a major champion after surviving a late self-inflicted wound to win the 85th Masters.
A decade after finishing as the leading amateur at Augusta National, Matsuyama became the first male Japanese player to win a major title, four months ahead of the Tokyo Games.
The 29-year-old was cruising to victory until a two-shot swing on the 15th saw his lead cut in half, only for nearest rival Xander Schauffele to promptly find the water with his tee shot on the 16th.
A closing 73 gave Matsuyama a winning total of 10 under par and a one-shot victory over debutant Will Zalatoris, with Schauffele and 2015 champion Jordan Spieth two shots further back.
Tweet of the day
Have fun today young man. Mr. Gilmore is watching you and very proud. pic.twitter.com/iwOEuMdR8W
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) April 11, 2021
Adam Sandler, star of Happy Gilmore, wished Will Zalatoris good luck ahead of the final round with a reminder of his similarity to Gilmore's first caddie in the cult film.
Quote of the day
Former @TheMasters champion Adam Scott was asked a lot about Matsuyama after his round. Favourite quote: "Hideki in Japan – he's a bit like a Tiger Woods to the rest of the world"
— Phil Casey (@pcaseysafc) April 11, 2021
"Hideki in Japan – he's a bit like a Tiger Woods to the rest of the world" – Adam Scott sums up how big a star Matsuyama was even before his victory.
Shot of the day
From underneath the trees to inches. Tony Finau saves par on No. 7 at #themasters. pic.twitter.com/Z5q3PXu5bI
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 11, 2021
There was admittedly a fair amount of luck involved, but Tony Finau did not care after remarkably escaping with a par on the seventh.
Round of the day
Clubhouse leader @JonRahmpga (-6) ✍️#TheMasters | @Workday
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 11, 2021
New dad Jon Rahm only arrived in Augusta on Wednesday afternoon and carded three straight rounds of 72 before closing with a superb 66.
Statistic of the day
In these 5 Masters:
20142015201620182021
Spieth had been beaten by a total of SIX players.
And has one green jacket to show for it. Seems impossible.
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) April 11, 2021
Jordan Spieth contended once again at Augusta National but the 2015 champion came up short.
Easiest hole
The par-five second played to an average of just 4.296, the traditional Sunday pin position yielding five eagles, 28 birdies and not a single bogey.
Toughest hole
The par-four 11th played to an average of 4.426, with just one player making a birdie as it played to a total of 23 over par.
When is the next major?
Kiawah Island hosts the US PGA Championship from May 20-23.
