Japanese star less stressed by press

Overnight leader Hideki Matsuyama has tasted success in the Masters once before, winning the Silver Cup awarded to the leading amateur in 2011.

Yet remembering what else happened on that Sunday might not have done the Japanese star any favours as he attempted to convert a four-shot lead into a first major title at Augusta National.

Like most people in 2011, Matsuyama would have been expecting to share the presentation ceremony with Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irishman holding a four-shot lead heading into the final round.

Instead, it was South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel being helped into the famous green jacket, McIlroy having imploded on the back nine in a closing 80 to finish 15th.

A better omen for Matsuyama was that the last player to hold a four-shot lead after 54 holes of the Masters was Dustin Johnson, who converted it into a five-shot victory just five months ago.

Matsuyama’s every move is usually chronicled by a large contingent of Japanese media.

With Covid-19 travel restrictions reducing the number of press at Augusta National, there is no doubting that the 29-year-old has enjoyed having slightly fewer media commitments.

“I’m glad the media are here covering it, but it’s not my favourite thing to do, to stand and answer questions. And so with fewer media it’s been a lot less stressful for me and I’ve enjoyed this week,” he said

Hideki Matsuyama.