As the impact of becoming the first Japanese man to win one of golf's majors continues to sink in, new Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama is already aiming for another of sports' ultimate prizes – an Olympic gold medal.
Matsuyama, who won the Masters on Sunday and returned to Japan on Tuesday, held an online press conference on Wednesday to talk about the momentous past week, the prestigious tournament and his aspirations for the future.
"Since I returned to Japan, I've seen [my victory] all over the news. It feels like I've done something amazing," said Matsuyama, who is currently in quarantine due to restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. "I haven't met anybody since I got back, which feels a little strange. I'll savor this moment a little longer, and then I want to work toward my next goal when I feel like playing golf again. The Masters has just finished, and for the first time ever, I don't really want to swing a club."
Matsuyama's one-shot triumph at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., has raised expectations that he will be among the favorites at the Tokyo Olympic Games to be held this summer. "I want to do my best to win the gold medal," 29-year-old Matsuyama said.
Matsuyama held the press conference while wearing the green jacket awarded to the Masters champion. He had carried his prized jacket on the flight back to Japan, and joked that it might become a permanent part of his attire – even in upcoming tournaments. "I want to take it with me, wherever I go," Matsuyama said with a smile.
Matsuyama credited having a stronger mental resilience, which helped him win the major. "I had three tough days during a tournament a week before the Masters, and was disappointed in myself for constantly being angry," recalled Matsuyama. "But on each day at the Masters my swing felt better and I decided to trust my processes, and not get annoyed, even if I made a mistake."
The influence of Hidenori Mezawa, who became Matsuyama's coach this year, has also been immense.
"I was having problems with my swing last year, and I met him at a time when I wasn't producing the results I wanted," Matsuyama said. "He helped me find some of the important details I had forgotten. We communicate well and as we worked together, I made new discoveries every day. My golf has changed from how I played in the past."
Matsuyama played in the Masters for the first time in 2011 and turned heads by winning the title awarded to the amateur who shoots the lowest score. His victory a decade later capped a remarkable journey. "In the years after, I was the low amateur and I didn't have many fond memories at that tournament. But, I'm glad that being able to win the Masters has turned everything leading up to this point into a good memory," Matsuyama said.
Being Masters champion will undoubtedly make Matsuyama the center of increased attention. However, he seems unfazed by the added pressure that might bring.
"I've thrown my clubs before and often done other things I shouldn't have. More people will be watching me now, so I will be more careful. I'm just going to keep practicing like I have been, and keep playing like I have been. To be honest, I don't know if there will be a lot of pressure on me," Matsuyama said.
Matsuyama first aspired to become a pro golfer after watching American legend Tiger Woods win the Masters in 1997. Now his own golfing achievements could inspire children to take up the sport and follow in his footsteps.
"It would be amazing if kids want to be like me, just the way I wanted to be like Tiger," Matsuyama said. "But, perhaps children won't think like that if I can't keep getting good results in tournaments. I'll try my hardest to keep playing at the top for the next 10 or 15 years."
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