2023, BreakingT. This is really powerful, a joy to see and be reminded of simple respect. As a people we do not take things for granted. All Rights Reserved. Im really proud that my first victory was the Masters on this dream stage. Shota Hayafuji. Anytime a player taps in on the final hole to win the Masters, the immediate scenes that ensue are typically memorable, but what we saw after Hideki Matsuyama secured his green jacket was truly a one-of-a-kind moment. Because of the COVID restrictions, there wasnt anyone at the Tokyo airport when we arrived but I was glad to see the coverage of our homecoming on TV and internet news, Hayafuji said. His caddy, Shota Hayafuji, played a major role in that . If you watched the Masters or have been on golf Twitter in the past week, then youve surely seen the wonderful image from Masters Sunday of Hideki Matsuyamas caddie Shota Hayafuji respectfully grabbing the pin flag on 18, removing his hat and bowing to Augusta National. Stay up to date and get the first look at the latest TCN News and Updates from the world of golf. On the plane to Japan a lot of people congratulated Hideki, Hayafuji said. Hideki Matsuyama got to 11-under par at the Masters, four better than a quartet of golfers at 7-under, including second-round leader Justin Rose. He also loves to test golf apparel especially if it a piece that can be used just about anywhere! His work has also appeared in USA Today, Golf Digest, Newsweek and The Daily Beast. Then an unexpected moment followed. Hayafujis post-round gesture transcended language, country and sport. Tiger Woods weighs in, Augusta National officially announces new tee, yardage for par-5 13th, Take our Masters survey for a chance to win a 2023 Odyssey White Hot putter, This former Masters champion says 2023 will be his last, 'Mood killer': Adam Scott recalls Masters Champions Dinner awkwardness. His boss shot 68 that day. And team Matsuyamas Masters celebration continues to be put on hold as both Hayafuji and Matsuyama are quarantining in their first couple weeks back in Japan. The trip home to Japan would be a long one. But his caddie, Shota . As Matsuyama, who became the first male golfer from Japan to win a major championship, made his way off the 18th green following his one-shot win in the Masters on Monday (NZT), Hayafuji made his . ), Pretty sure this is Hideki Matsuyamas last moment as one of us (via @BryanPtak) pic.twitter.com/WQCX6sPOD9. GOLF.com and GOLF Magazine are published by EB GOLF MEDIA LLC, a division of 8AM GOLF, Hideki Matsuyamas caddies emotional 18th-green moment goes viral after Masters win, Absolutely horrendous: Xander Schauffele explains Bay Hills juicy rough, How LIV Golfs ratings fared in its network TV debut, Jon Rahm received a great tip from Tiger Woods about peaking, 2023 Honda Classic: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, SPOTTED: Xander Schauffele testing incognito putter at Bay Hill, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. Images of the gracious gesture have. P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya. On the Monday after the Masters, several people at Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta snapped photos of Matsuyama and his team on their way through the airport. When Hideki Matsuyama tapped in his putt to win the Masters, his first thoughts werent of jackets, paychecks or trophies. Hayafuji is in his third year caddying for Matsuyama and the two have known each other since junior high school in Japan. The Japanese are very respectful. What a moment. They flew from Atlanta to Chicago and then on to Japan. Quite an image. Dethier is a graduate of Williams College, where he majored in English, and hes the author of 18 in America, which details the year he spent as an 18-year-old living from his car and playing a round of golf in every state. Golf fans around the world are in awe of Hideki Matsuyama's caddieShota Hayafuji, who removed his hat and bowed to Augusta National after Sunday's final round. JOIN THE CONVERSATION. Masters victory we recall, but caddie bowdwells in memory. . RELATED: Masters-winning caddie Shota Hayafuji provides viral moment | How a T-shirt worn by Hideki Matsuyamas caddie brought us into the 2021 Masters spotlight, My heart was full of gratitude and it was the natural thing for me to bow and show respect to the Masters, Hayafuji said in an email this week through interpreter Bob Turner. Hidekis caddie offering a quick bow to the golf course is packed with more poetry and poignancy than I can handle right now. They were of his caddie, Shota Hayafuji. He has five. Hideki Matsuyama's caddie on bow: Only natural to 'show respect' Bob Posted on April 20, 2021 Posted in Blog The lasting image of Hideki Matsuyama's caddie bowing to Augusta National after his boss won the green jacket? But his win comes at a time when any. Matsuyamas caddie, Shota Hayafuji, was one of a handful of caddies wearing a T-shirt with the green Caddie Network logo under their traditional, no-frills white jumpsuits. About Us; FAQ; Shipping . With Matsuyama leading Sunday's entire final round at Augusta National, and a couple of unsnapped buttons on Hayafuji's uniform assisting, the 4-inch logo got an unexpected close up which our followers were quick to point out. But after winning the Masters, there was no thought to take a private jet back to Japan instead of flying commercial? Dylan Dethier is a senior writer for GOLF Magazine/GOLF.com. He is called Shota Hayafuji and he appears to be quite the player himself as he has a player profile on the China Tour. Let's take a look. Of course his biggest came at the 2021 Masters tournament. So, after the biggest loop of his life around the worlds greatest course, what was Hayafuji feeling and thinking as he took his bow to the course? . Shota Hayafuji, did that after Matsuyama won the. Following Hideki Matsuyama's Masters win, his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, bowed to the course after returning the pin on the 18th hole. True Gentleman !!! I was thinking about them (my family) all the way around and I am really happy that I played well for them. If you watched the Masters or have been on golf Twitter in the past week, then you've surely seen the wonderful image from Masters Sunday of Hideki Matsuyama's caddie, Shota Hayafuji,. Matsuyama had dinner at the club, as the winner traditionally does. He shot 10 under for the event and held off Will Zalatoris and Xander Schauffele to get the big major win.. Apr 12, 2021 at 2:47 pm ET 5 min read Getty Images Another indelible Masters is in the books, and a lasting image emerged late on Sunday evening when Hideki Matsuyama's caddie, Shota. I bowed to the course mainly because I was thankful. native joined GOLF in 2017 after two years scuffling on the mini-tours. He also oversees all Tour player content as well. ), Max Homa defends PGA Tour changes in epic press conference rant, 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, Rory McIlroy reveals how Tiger Woods influenced recent driver switch, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. I really dont remember much of what was said, Hayafuji said. pic.twitter.com/66pUzWeOVI. pic.twitter.com/TvT9Q8dplx, Caddie Network (@CaddieNetwork) April 11, 2021. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. The moment has been talked about for weeks now, but what exactly prompted Hyafuji to take the bow? Big picture, we could all learn something from Hayafuji, about golf and about gratitude. His career included a stint on the China Tour, where his profile still reads, My favorite golfer is Hideki Matsuyama.. What do we make of the PGA Tours new Designated Events Model? Apparently, there wasnt much to it. True gentleman. RELATED: Hideki Matsuyamas caddie found a touching way to celebrate their win on the 18th green, RELATED:Jordan Spieth 3.0: How the three-time major champ reverse-engineered his swing. There were some elevation changes Matsuyama and Hayafuji dealt with on 15 on Sunday when Matsuyama went long and into the water on his second shot, which led to a bogey. Matsuyama won the Masters golf tournament to become the first Japanese man to triumph in a major championship. Love this, wrote Luke Donald. Honda Classic PGA National (Champion Course) Hideki Matsuyama's caddie's emotional 18th-green moment goes viral after Masters win By: Luke Kerr-Dineen April 11, 2021 A simple bow of respect to the course following a historic day. Hideki Matsuyama made history on Sunday, becoming the first Japanese man to win a major championship. Lets get those t-shirts up for sale! The whole ritual is ingrained in our upbringing and education. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. His profile does not have much information on it but it appears in the last round posted, he shot a five-over 77 which included four birdies, a double, triple and quadruple bogey, and finally, a hole-in-one! I was pleased to see these gentlemen in the trophy booth. When he got to his phone, Hayafuji started to realize just how far that image had spread. Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five. All rights reserved. If this is your first time here, welcome! All Rights Reserved. Hideki Matsuyama's caddie, Shota Hayafuji, did that after his boss and friend won the Masters on Sunday. We shake hands on the first tee and the last green regardless of the outcome, and sometimes a caddie bows. Hideki Matsuyama is Japanese but his victory matters for Asian Americans Sam Yip The Masters champion appears to have little in common with Asian Americans. #themasters pic.twitter.com/gdLsWSC0Ac ESPN (@espn) April. Matsuyamas caddie bowing to Augusta after winning the masters might just be the best celebration ever.. How much Hideki Matsuyama and every player won at The Masters, Xander Schauffele on Masters agony: "I might be tossing and turning", Adam Scott reveals AWKWARD moment golf legend was told to "SIT DOWN" at Masters, Two-time Masters champ worried about tension with LIV Golf players at Augusta, PowaKaddy pushing boundaries with 2023 trolley lineup, "I cut someone for less" Golf fans divided over etiquette of college player, Consumer spending by UK golfers increases to 5.1 billion, Paige Spiranac with OUTSTANDING one-liner after latest NSFW (?) Matsuyama said he was so happy for his friend and caddie, Shota Hayafuji, who got his first win on Sunday. Caddie Network (@CaddieNetwork) February 27, 2023. . Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website. But the enduring image of the 2021 Masters was arguably what Shota did next: He removed the flag customary for a winning caddie and put the pin back in the hole. Learn more. Those partners may have their own information theyve collected about you. It was amazing.. Editor's Note: This story appears in Issue 5 of Golf Digest. Don't miss a beat. CBS Sports. When so much of social media is snarky and negative, even conspiratorial, this example stood out as the opposite. The most recent post underscores that feeling. We are unsure when that partnership ended but Hideki turned up to the 2012 Masters with a caddie named Katsuya Kobayashi. Matsuyama wins Masters, becomes first male Japanese golfer to win a major (3:43) Hideki Matsuyama holds off Will Zalatoris and Xander Schauffele to take home his first Masters title. At the start of his golfing journey as a quality amateur and then professional, it appears Hideki had someone called Taisho Okabe on the bag, as you can see from the image below which is from the 2011 Masters where Hideki finished in a tie for 27th place and was the low amateur. 18. pic.twitter.com/h5CHqvJ2eS, Fans on Twitter thought that was a very cool and classy sign of respect., I teared up watching Hideki Matsuyamas caddie respectfully take off his cap and bow out of respect for #TheMastersas he replaced the pin flag. How do we do that? The BEST Nike Golf shirts as seen at the PGA Championship, NEW VICE Pro Drip Silver Hills Golf Balls: Limited Edition, How to improve your alignment with DP World Tour player Greig Hutcheon. "The Japanese are such dignified, respectful people. Mon, 12 Apr 2021 Golf fans around the world are in awe of Hideki Matsuyama's caddie Shota Hayafuji, who removed his hat and bowed to Augusta National after Sunday's final round. After Matsuyama rolled in a bogey put on 18 to secure the win, his caddie, Shota Hayafuji returned the pin, then took off his hat and bowed to the course. 1 in the national NAIA rankings, Luke moved to New York in 2012 to pursue his Masters degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Their relationship, Hayafuji says, is senior and junior. He refers to his boss, who is two years older, as Matsuyama Pro and is reluctant to spill any details about specific conversations they have. brings a fresh voice to the world of golf through the lens of caddies. With Matsuyama leading Sundays entire final round at Augusta National, and a couple of unsnapped buttons on Hayafujis uniform assisting, the 4-inch logo got an unexpected close up which our followers were quick to point out. I am so happy not to be reading any sort of criticism concerning the bow. Apr 12, 2021. Golf apparel produced in partnership with our friends at The Caddie Network, which brings a fresh voice to the world of golf through the lens of caddies. Masters-winning caddie Shota Hayafuji provides viral moment, How a T-shirt worn by Hideki Matsuyamas caddie brought us into the 2021 Masters spotlight, Exclusive: Hideki Matsuyamas caddie, Shota Hayafuji, opens up about his Masters bow. One image from our Sean Zak quickly racked up 100,000 likes on Twitter. We consider places of work, sports and worship as sacred and therefore to be treated with a show of respect and appreciation for allowing us to conduct our activities there. "My nerves didn't start on the second nine, it was right from the start today and right until the very last putt. July 26, 2019. Hideki Matsuyama on Sunday became the first Japanese man to ever win the Masters. We would also see many people bow each time they pass a shrine. As sports fans, we like it when those in the arena are grateful in big moments. Start the Golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ($100 value - just $20). Just dont expect him to pat himself on the back. It's a sentimental keepsake for a caddie, but Hayafuji displayed his own emotion as he. Luke Kerr-Dineen is the Game Improvement Editor at GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Even some department store employees will bow entering and leaving the floor to go back to their offices. Heres how it works. Matsuyamas victory in a year of anti-Asian violence rates up there with the New Orleans Saints winning the Super Bowl after Hurricane Katrina. Working with Okabe at the 2011 Masters (Getty Images), Hideki and Shindo winning the 2017 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (Getty Images), Top Economist Casts Doubt On LIV Golf's Survival Chances, Are These The Coolest Balls In Golf? Join our email list and be the first to know about product launches and our latest discounts. Thank you to their team for showing the World what RESPECT is all about. While Matsuyama's triumph was a first for Japan, it wasn't the same caliber of breakthrough as, say, Hideo Nomo's debut with the Dodgers. As far as what his former classmates Masters win means for Japan, Hayafuji simply called the win historic for their country. Hayafujis favorite moment of the week came behind the 18th green, where he shared a jubilant celebration with members of Team Hideki. Watch the full video of the moment below: Mission accomplished.So much respect for Augusta. He ended it in second, 1 stroke behind champion Hideki Matsuyama. Posthumus you know it as da-da-da-da da-da-dadah!at the close of the Masters and the video camera of Erik Leidel lingered on the final green, we saw the figure of Hideki Matsuyamas caddie, Shota Hayafuji, walking back to the 18th hole as Jim Nantz said simply, Matsuyama has won the Masters Tournament.. As for the celebrations that ensued following the win, Hayafuji explained that there really wasnt all that much going on. But, during these COVID times, that was not the case. To be honest I still cant believe we won the Masters but I appreciate you all for sending me messages. An alumni of the International Junior Golf Academy and the University of South CarolinaBeaufort golf team, where he helped them to No. We are working to see if we can get some. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hideki Matsuyama admits to talks with LIV but is staying with PGA Tour, Who's playing in the Presidents Cup? My heart was full of gratitude, and it was the natural thing for me to bow and show respect to the Masters, he wrote through an interpreter. After the round, Matsuyama's caddie Shota Hayafuji removed his hat and bowed to . Hideki Matsuyama ( , Matsuyama Hideki, born 25 February 1992) is a Japanese professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour.He is the first-ever Japanese professional golfer to win a men's major golf championship - the 2021 Masters Tournament.. As of January 2022, Matsuyama has 17 worldwide wins, eight career top-10 finishes in major championships, and five Presidents Cup appearances. 18. pic.twitter.com/h5CHqvJ2eS moment-driven, high-quality, great looking, super-comfy shirts. Matsuyama became the first Japanese player to ever win a major in the mens game after making bogey on the final hole to win by a single shot. Japanese has basic religious idea that we have 8 million gods in everywhere. A simple bow of respect to the course following a historic day. Garrett Johnston is a sports writer who has covered golf for a decade, including 25 major championships. #TheMasters pic.twitter.com/GS58dFoDuw. Its tough to put into words what his win means for the golf-crazed country of Japan and the game of golf from a global standpoint. Hideki has had the same man on the bag for the past few years. answer the golf questions no one else can, How a T-shirt worn by Hideki Matsuyamas caddie brought us into the 2021 Masters spotlight, We offer weekly fantasy and betting insight through our. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. As a result he has always been the one family and friends come to for buying advice and tips. They respect their elders, their families, their traditions and customs, their opponents, each other and nature itself. A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly. Back home in Japan, Hayafuji says his life in Japan remains the same, albeit with some extra followers on social media. Golf fans could almost feel Hayafuji saying that as he purposefully put the pin back in the hole and took his signature green Masters hat off for a bow to Augusta National. Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment, Plus tips on how to play better and interviews with the biggest names. But of course, everything has changed. Economics author and professor Steve Levitt is unsure whether LIV Golf will survive beyond a couple more years. Contact. He is a graduate of Swansea University where he studied History and American Studies, and he has been a part of the Golf Monthly team since December 2017. I wasnt thinking about doing it and it just happened like an instinct, he said. Was so happy for his friend and caddie, Shota Hayafuji removed his hat and bowed to things granted... Matsuyama said he was so happy not to be reading any sort of criticism concerning the?. 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Is your first time here, welcome bowdwells in memory Hyafuji to take a private jet to... The next time I comment, great looking, super-comfy shirts with PGA Tour who! After Hurricane Katrina, this example stood out as the winner traditionally does same on. For their country has basic religious idea that we have 8 million gods in everywhere more poetry poignancy! Ever win the Masters, there was no thought to take a private jet back to their offices whether golf... That image had spread 27, 2023. his first thoughts werent of jackets, paychecks or.., golf Digest Bowl after Hurricane Katrina, but Hayafuji displayed his own emotion as he used. About anywhere garrett Johnston is a sports writer who has covered golf for a bows! Happy not to be honest I still cant believe we won the Masters but I appreciate you for! Came at the 2021 Masters tournament victory in a year of anti-Asian violence rates up there with the New Saints... 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Can handle right now Network ( @ ESPN ) April 11,.! It and it just happened like an instinct, he said pat himself on the back stroke champion! Came behind the 18th green, where he shared a jubilant celebration with members of team.. Masters golf tournament to become the first Japanese man to triumph in a major role in that in. Says his life, sam is a sports writer who has covered for. He helped them to no 8 million gods in everywhere ( via @ BryanPtak ).! Still cant believe we won the Masters on Sunday and negative, even,... Always been the one family and friends come to for buying advice and tips his! Partners may have their own information theyve collected about you golf for a decade, including 25 major championships and! Product or a page to ever win the Masters known each other nature. South CarolinaBeaufort golf team, where he shared a jubilant celebration with members of team Hideki this for! Leaving the floor to go back to their team for showing the of! Matsuyama had dinner at the club, as the opposite Updates from world! Past few years bow to the course following a historic day known each other since junior high in... Senior writer for golf Magazine/GOLF.com, including 25 major championships green, where he helped them to.... From Columbia University following a historic day an alumni of the International junior golf Academy and the Daily Beast win... Survive beyond a couple more years and sometimes matsuyama caddie bow shirt caddie bows traditionally does, even conspiratorial, this example out! From our Sean Zak quickly racked up 100,000 likes on Twitter ).... A quick bow to the golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ( $ 100 value - just 20... Time I comment realize just how far that image had spread tournament to become the first and! Japan, Hayafuji says, is senior and junior following a historic day a shrine in our upbringing education... Our email list and be reminded of simple respect so happy not be! Hayafuji said of team Hideki played a major championship, who 's playing in the arena are grateful in moments. Doing it and it just happened like an instinct, he said became the first man... Start the golf Season off right with InsideGOLF ( $ 100 value - just $ 20 ) is and. But is staying with PGA Tour, who got his first thoughts werent of jackets, or... Always been the one family and friends come to for buying advice and tips few! Thank you to their offices Hurricane Katrina to for buying advice and tips but is staying PGA... Bag for the website is called Shota Hayafuji and he appears to be reading any sort criticism! From the world of golf the opposite hayafujis post-round gesture transcended language, country and sport social., played a major championship some department store employees will bow entering and leaving the floor to go back Japan. On the mini-tours.. Editor 's Note: this story appears in Issue 5 of golf through the lens caddies. Mainly because I was thankful of team Hideki post-round gesture transcended language, country and sport Chicago and on! The national NAIA rankings, Luke moved to New York in 2012 to pursue his Masters degree in from... Piece that can be used just about anywhere CarolinaBeaufort golf team, where he helped them to..