Matsuyama's Timely Masters Tonic

Houston, Texas: Hideki Matsuyama enjoyed an ideal Masters Tournament preparation by finishing tied second at the Vivint Houston Open, thanks to a sizzling seven-under 63 in the final round.

The 28-year-old Japanese enjoyed his first top-10 of the 2020-21 PGA Tour season courtesy of seven birdies at the Memorial Park Golf Course. He finished two shots behind Carlos Ortiz, who became only the third Mexican winner on Tour. Ortiz shot a final round 65 for a 13-under 267 winning aggregate.

Reigning FedEx Cup champion and world number one Dustin Johnson, playing in his first tournament back after testing positive for Covid-19 last month, tied for second alongside Matsuyama after a 65, highlighted by six birdies.

Matsuyama, a two-time winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), soared up the leaderboard with the day’s joint low round. He made birdies on the third, sixth, eighth, 12th, 13th, 16th and 17th, the final two gains being conversions from 14 feet and 16 feet respectively. He made 21 birdies through four rounds, ranking first in the category.

He will now head to his ninth Masters appearance with confidence restored as he chases a maiden Major victory. “My good finish is hopefully going to help me at the Masters this week,” said Matsuyama, who moved up to 15th place on the latest FedEx Cup standings.

Matsuyama has an excellent track record at Augusta National. As well as placing fifth in 2015 and tied seventh in 2016, he posted top-20 finishes in 2017 and 2018. He made his debut in 2011 as the reigning AAC winner, earning a share of 27th and having the distinction of finishing as the low amateur.

No Asian has won the Green Jacket which is awarded to the Masters champion, with Korean KJ Choi coming closest with a third-place outing in 2004.

Matsuyama’s closing round in Houston was near perfect as he hit 17 greens in regulation with some crisp iron play. While Memorial Park bears little resemblance to Augusta National, the Japanese hopes his strong finish will provide him with the spark needed to mount a Masters challenge.

“My game is getting better,” said the five-time PGA Tour winner. “It was a tough, long course, and greens were tough. But I had a great experience here.”