Hideki Matsuyama
Japan’s golfing pioneer
Hideki Matsuyama is a celebrated Japanese golfer known for his success in Asia and the United States, including his triumph at the 2021 Masters Tournament when he became the first man from his country to win a major.
I am really happy to win. Hopefully I will be a pioneer in winning this tournament. I am glad to be able to open the floodgates, hopefully, and many more Japanese players will follow me.
Hideki Matsuyama
Making his mark at every level
Hideki Matsuyama has been one of the top competitors in men’s golf for more than a decade.
He made history by becoming the first Japanese man to win a major when victorious at the Masters Tournament. Matsuyama has achieved success at every level he has played, as an amateur in his homeland and elsewhere in Asia, on Japan’s professional circuit and the PGA TOUR®.
Historic achievement
Hideki Matsuyama’s golf journey began in Japan where he first learned to play the game by watching his father in action.
His talent was evident early, and he confirmed his abilities by winning the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in 2010 and successfully defending the title the following year. By 2012, he had reached the pinnacle of amateur golf, becoming the world’s No. 1-ranked amateur at age 20. Turning professional in 2013, Matsuyama found success quickly on the Japan Golf Tour and became the first rookie to lead the tour’s money list. He made an impact on the PGA TOUR®, posting victories that continued to enhance his reputation, including the prestigious Memorial Tournament in 2014. His career reached a high point in 2021 with his Masters win at Augusta National, a historic achievement that thrilled fans across Japan and throughout Asia.
Among his other notable victories are the 2021 ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, where he triumphed in front of a home crowd in Chiba, Japan, to cement his status as a national hero. Matsuyama had another outstanding year in 2024, claiming victory at the Genesis Invitational, taking bronze at the Olympic Games in Paris and, less than a fortnight later, winning the FedEx St Jude Championship, the opening event of the FedExCup Playoffs. His excellent form continued in 2025 when he set a new PGA TOUR® record low score for 72 holes – 35 under par – at the season-opening event at The Sentry in Hawaii, recording his 11th tour title and confirming his place among the sport’s elite.
Hideki Matsuyama has been a Rolex Testimonee since 2016.