Hideki Matsuyama wins 2021 Masters

Hideki Matsuyama wins 2021 Masters

The Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama entered the history books as he won the 85th Masters in record-breaking style at Augusta National on Sunday.

The 29-year-old Matsuyama was claiming his first major title after a string of near misses and secured it by one stroke after a final round 73.

Matsuyama had a four-shot lead heading into the final day and, despite some nervy moments on Sunday, shot a one-over 73 to win on 10 under par.

Sitting alongside Johnson and his translator in Butler Cabin, where champions receive their Green Jackets, Matsuyama expressed his happiness that he could blaze a trail for other future Japanese golfers.

"I'm really happy," he said. "My nerves really didn't start on the second nine. It was right from the start today and right to the very last putt. I was thinking about (my family) all the way round today and I'm really happy I played well for them. Hopefully, I'll be a pioneer and many other Japanese people will follow. I'm glad to be able to open the flood gates hopefully and many more will follow me."

He further added. "Hopefully I'll be a pioneer in this and many other Japanese will follow. I'm happy to open the floodgate and many more will follow me."

American Will Zalatoris was second in his Masters debut on 279 after a closing 70 with US three-time major winner Jordan Spieth and American Schauffele sharing third on 281.

World number three Jon Rahm posted a final-day 66 to come in a further stroke back, alongside Australia's Marc Leishman.

Matsuyama became only the second Asian man to win a major title after South Korea's Yang Yong-Eun at the 2009 PGA Championship.