MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 10, 2021

Hideki Matsuyama

Butler Cabin Interview

Q. This was 10 years ago today, Hideki made his way into Butler Cabin as a 19 year old, Chairman Billy Payne giving him the Silver Cup, recognizing him as the low amateur. Welcome back on this special anniversary. Bob Turner is here, your longtime interpreter. What happened after the long weather break today, because you were playing the 11th hole, you had already hit your tee shot, they blow the horn, you come back out and you play those last eight holes in 6-under par?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: Yeah, before the horn blew, I didn't hit a very good drive, but after the horn blew for the restart, I hit practically every shot exactly how I wanted to.

Q. I think we'd like to know what did you do during the break? Was there something that just suddenly clicked during that hour and 15 minutes?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: I spent the hour just sitting in my car looking at my cell phone.

Q. There are going to be a few messages waiting on that cell phone when you bring it back out. This idea of leading on a Saturday night at a major, you're so experienced, Hideki, you've had top-6 finishes in all four majors, you were runner-up at the U.S. Open in 2017. What's this going to be like for you tonight going into tomorrow?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: This will be a new experience for me, being a leader going into the final round in a major. I guess all I can do is just relax as I can tonight, prepare well and just do my best tomorrow.

Q. Tsubasa Kajitani winning a week ago today, the Augusta Women's Amateur. Were you inspired by that?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: It was unfortunate I wasn't able to watch it. I was playing last week in Texas, so I didn't get to see her victory, but it was fantastic, and I hope I can follow in her shoes, and again, make Japan proud.