Hideki Matsuyama relishing Masters defence but admits to dinner speech nerves

Defending the Masters is so difficult that only three players, Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods, did it.

Hideki Matsuyama hopes to be the latest in history books to try to join the glorious trio after recovering from a back injury in time for his place in the field of Augusta National- But after he withdrew from Valero Texas, further doubts about his participation arose on Friday with neck issues.

Matsuyama needs to overcome another hurdle before he can fully focus on title defense. This is due to the possibility of giving a speech at a traditional Champions dinner that weighs heavily on Japanese stars.

“Of course, I’m looking forward to returning to Augusta National as a defending champion,” Matsuyama said.

“Looking forward to it is one way to put it down. The other is that I really want to be able to play well. I have some expectations, whether under pressure or not. But I’m looking forward to it, and at the same time I’m trying to be as prepared as I can.

“The same goes for Champions Dinner. I don’t speak much English, so it’s like a double-sided coin.

“Of course I’m looking forward to being with the past Masters Champions, but at the same time I’m very nervous about my speech.”

Talking in public isn’t at the top of Matsuyama’s list of favorite activities, and he previously revealed that talking to the media is more acceptable than having fun.

However, Matsuyama spoke to his right-hand man, Bob Turner, at a conference call prior to defending the title, looking back on his historic victory, the first Japanese male player to win a major title 12 months ago.

“I’m really happy to be the first Japanese to win a major, especially the Masters,” said a 30-year-old woman.

“How it changed my life is a good question. I still don’t really understand it. I know I’m a happier person. I also have people I realized that I was receiving it differently. It was a great experience.

“I don’t know if it changed my life. But that’s really one impression I’ve had in the past year, how warmly people accept me, accept me, I I mean, did you support me? “

Third round 65 meant Matsuyama took the lead of four shots in the final round of last year, but within minutes as Will Zaratris bogged the opening hole after birdies the first and second. It was reduced to 1 stroke.

Birdies 2, 8 and 9 regained Matsuyama’s good fight, but when Zaratris collapsed, Xander Schauffele approached within two shots following four straight birdies from number 12 and made number 16 a bogey.

Matsuyama dropped shots on the 16th and 18th, but still enjoyed the luxury of finishing the shot ahead of Zaratris. The magnitude of his achievements is evident in his emotional response.

“These tears, it wasn’t because I won,” Matsuyama said. “As I walked past the 18th green, I saw the whole team crying, and I think that was when I started crying.

“But it was really great to be able to share it with my team. The feeling of” finally done “. That’s why those tears fell all over our cheeks. “

Matsuyama’s caddy, Hideki Matsuyama, headed to the fairway to commemorate the flag on the 18th hole, uncapped and bowed in honor, and that wasn’t the only image of the final round.

“I didn’t see it directly, but I saw it on TV, so I thought it was very special,” says Matsuyama.

“I’m glad Shota did it. It pays homage not only to the Masters Tournament, but also to Augusta National. I didn’t really think it would get the attention it created.”