Japanese golf sensation Hideki Matsuyama arrives at this week's Masters Tournament with a buoyant spirit, aiming to replicate his historic victory at Augusta National. As the sole Asian to claim the prestigious green jacket three years ago, currently ranked world no. 12, Matsuyama enters the season's inaugural major fueled by his promising recent performances.

“I'm preparing hard to be able to do that again. You always like to peak for this week. Up until 2021, I always took the week off before the Masters, but now since then I've played the week before. It has been able to get me into tournament shape,” Matsuyama addressed reporters during Monday's press conference. “To be able to win this tournament was a thrill beyond thrills.”

Returning to a venue where he's achieved remarkable success as a five-time champion, Tiger Woods is back at Augusta National. However, his participation last year was cut short due to an ankle problem. Despite this setback, Woods managed to make a record-equalling 23rd consecutive Friday cut. Currently, he has adjusted his schedule to compete in one event per month, with the hope of completing all 72 holes for the first time since December's Hero World Challenge.

Woods shared his thoughts during the pre-event press conference.

“Do I need to describe that any more than that, or are we good?” “If everything comes together, I think I can get one more,”

The 15-time major champion is paired with Australia’s Jason Day and fellow American Max Homa for the first 36 holes at Augusta National.

In response to inquiries regarding his absence from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship this year, Woods explained, "I simply wasn't prepared to compete. My body and game weren't in the right condition. Initially, I aimed for a steady rhythm of one tournament per month, but it hasn't panned out that way. Some days, I feel strong and ready, while others, I face challenges."

In response to inquiries regarding his absence from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship this year, Woods explained, "I simply wasn't prepared to compete. My body and game weren't in the right condition. Initially, I aimed for a steady rhythm of one tournament per month, but it hasn't panned out that way. Some days, I feel strong and ready, while others, I face challenges."

“But now we have major championships every month from here through July so now the once-a-month hopefully kicks in,” Pointing out his unexpected triumph at the Masters in 2019, the 48-year-old emphasized his enduring competitive spirit.

At 32 years old, Matsuyama has become a focal point of interest after securing his ninth PGA Tour title at the Genesis Invitational in February. This victory solidified his status as the most successful Asian golfer on the tour. It's worth noting that Woods had to withdraw from the Genesis event after completing only 24 holes due to a bout of flu.

Matsuyama enters the Masters Tournament with solid recent performances, including a tied 12th finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, a share of sixth place at the Players Championship, and a joint seventh at the Texas Open. These results indicate his current good form and readiness for the upcoming tournament. Additionally, the fact that he is free from injuries that have previously impacted his game is a positive sign, suggesting that he can fully focus on his performance without any hindrances.

Throughout his 12 appearances at the Masters, Matsuyama has demonstrated remarkable consistency, missing the cut only once. His track record includes two top-10 finishes and five top-20 finishes, further solidifying his prowess at Augusta National. His historic victory in 2021 not only secured him the Prime Minister's Award in Japan but also underscored his enduring presence and competitiveness at this prestigious tournament.

“Winning the Asian Amateur twice and being invited to the Masters tournament was really life-changing,” he said. “I always wanted to play here in the Masters. I watched it on TV a lot. I'm grateful to the members of Augusta National for what they have done, not only for me, but for golf in Asia. It's been quite rewarding.

Matsuyama expressed gratitude for the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, an event he won in 2010 in Tokyo. This victory paved the way for his inaugural Masters appearance, where he impressively finished tied for 27th and secured low amateur honors the following year.

“Probably the sweetest memory I have of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship was when I won in Tokyo. I wasn't in the field and thankfully was able to get in (due to additional spots being granted to the host nation) and win, and then to be able to be invited again to here to Augusta National, that was special.

Matsuyama will be accompanied by his fellow countryman, Ryo Hisatsune, who has been granted a special invitation by Augusta National to make his debut appearance at the Masters. This marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old, who is embarking on his inaugural full season on the tour, having secured dual membership through the DP World Tour Race to Dubai rankings.

“I feel like my game-making has really improved the most. Every part of your game needs to be at the highest level to stay competitive so I’ve really tried to utilise the weapons that I have in my own arsenal while continuing to play my own style of golf, which I think has had the biggest impact for me to stay competitive thus far.”

“My life right now is not at all what I had imagined it would be. Over the last six months and really the last year, I feel like my golf game has improved dramatically and that’s really thanks to my time on DP World Tour.”

Hisatsune, reflecting on his historic triumph at the French Open last season, “My life right now is not at all what I had imagined it would be. Over the last six months and really the last year, I feel like my golf game has improved dramatically and that’s really thanks to my time on DP World Tour,” 

After experiencing a couple of practice rounds at Augusta National last week, Hisatsune was left in awe as he stepped onto the renowned grounds. "It's difficult to put into words," he expressed. "The Masters has always been the pinnacle for me. I remember watching it as a kid, it inspired me to take up golf as a career. Witnessing Mr. Matsuyama's victory had a profound impact on me," shared Hisatsune, who boasts two top-25 finishes from 10 starts this season.

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