MATSUYAMA TIPPED TO BE MAJOR HERO

WORLD NO.2 Hideki Matsuyama will become Japan’s first male Major champion, says Jordan Spieth. The former amateur No.1 moved up to second in the pro rankings with his runner-up finish at the US Open. He won his first WGC event at the HSBC Champions last October and claimed his fourth PGA title in Phoenix in February. “I have no doubt Hideki will win a Major soon,” said Spieth. “I’ve been saying that for a couple of years. He’s shown us each year he’s capable of doing so. “He’s played well at Augusta since he was 18 – he obviously likes that course. He has as good a chance as any of winning when he tees up in a Major.” US Open champion Brooks Koepka, who has been paired with Matsuyama (above) in the first two rounds, said: “I enjoy playing with Hideki. I’ve thought for a long time he’s one of the best here.” Bubba Watson (right) admits his form is “terrible” after dropping from sixth to 49th in the world in 12 months. Watson, 38, says he is prioritising fatherhood after he and wife Angela adopted two children. He said: “My form is terrible. I have a two-year-old who sleeps two hours a night and a five-year-old who wants my attention. Jack Nicklaus could play and be a great father – I’ve not figured it out yet.”