Matsuyama becomes first Japanese in Masters green jacket
AUGUSTA, Georgia: Hideki Matsuyama delivered golf-mad Japan the grandest and greenest prize of all.
Ten years after Matsuyama made a sterling debut as the best amateur at Augusta National, he claimed the ultimate trophy Sunday with a victory in the Masters to become the first Japanese winner of the green jacket.
Matsuyama closed with a 1-over 73 and a one-shot victory that was only close at the end, and never seriously in doubt after Xander Schauffele’s late charge ended with a triple bogey on the par-3 16th.
![Japan's Hideki Matsuyama is presented with the green jacket by Dustin Johnson of the US after winning The Masters. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)](https://www.arabnews.com/sites/default/files/2021/04/12/2568876-42621425.jpg)
![Hideki Matsuyama of Japan plays his shot from the 18th tee during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP)](https://www.arabnews.com/sites/default/files/2021/04/12/2568881-1443607243.jpg)
![Hideki Matsuyama of Japan celebrates on the 18th green after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP)](https://www.arabnews.com/sites/default/files/2021/04/12/2568886-280519474.jpg)