Source: Sky News Australia
Japan’s Ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, has told Sky News, Hideki Matsuyama’s Masters win at Augusta National was what Japanese golf fans have been “waiting for, for years”, whilst giving a shout-out to Japan’s Head Golf Coach, Gareth Jones.
Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese player to win the Masters on Sunday (local time) beating out Americans Will Zalatoris and Xander Schuaffele.
Mr Yamagami told Sky News Chief Anchor Kieran Gilbert the reaction in Japan was “very very big” even garnering a response and congratulations from Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.
He said the young golf pro is not only the first Japanese player but the “first Asian to win the Masters”.
“His victory is what Japanese golf fans have been waiting for, for years,” he said.
When discussing the win by Japan’s 17-year old teen sensation, Tsubasa Kajitani, in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur held the week prior to the Masters, Mr Yamagami said the week “couldn’t be more wonderful” for Japanese fans, and went on to highlight the involvement of Gareth Jones in the Japanese golf program, saying “the Japanese team will further improve with Australian guidance.”
