MASTERS TOURNAMENT

April 11, 2021

Hideki Matsuyama

Butler Cabin Ceremony

JIM NANTZ: We'd like to welcome the world to Butler Cabin. What a pleasure it is to be with Augusta National Chairman, Fred Ridley, and we were here five months ago and that was memorable and so was today.

FRED RIDLEY: It sure was, Jim. After the historic Masters last fall, it's great to be back at Augusta National in April. The golf course provided a great test for these wonderful players and they certainly responded.

JIM NANTZ: It's the first time since 2015 that we didn't have an amateur make the cut. You know how vital that is to the history of this tournament. You competed here as an amateur three times yourself.

FRED RIDLEY: I did, Jim, and as you know, Bobby Jones was the greatest amateur of all time. He felt it was so important that amateurs play a part in the Masters, and we had three fine players representing amateur golf this week, and we wish them the very best.

JIM NANTZ: We're joined by Bob Turner, who will serve as Hideki's interpreter, our new Masters champion, and of course Dustin is here to present the Green Jacket.

FRED RIDLEY: Dustin, your historic record-setting win in November is something we'll always remember. You're now a part of the Masters club and we look forward to you wearing the green jacket for many years to come. Congratulations.

DUSTIN JOHNSON: Thank you.

FRED RIDLEY: Hideki, congratulations. You've made history with your wonderful win today. Can you tell us how it feels to be the first golfer from Japan to win the Masters?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: I'm really happy.

Q. How much pressure did you feel out there? You looked calm really all day long. Things tightened on that second side. Did you feel a little more nervous than what you looked like?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: My nerves really didn't start on the second nine. It was right from the start today. Right to the very last putt.

Q. Your wife Mei, your parents are all back in Japan, your little girl. They're all watching this right now. You had friends that were waiting for you behind the 18th green. Can you frame it for us, all of this? What's going on in your mind right now?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: I was thinking about them all the way around today. I was really happy that I played well for them.

Q. We try to put it into words what this win means to Japan, to have a Masters champion. How about having you do that? Can you tell us what it means to your country?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: Hopefully I'll be a pioneer in this and many other Japanese will follow. I'm glad to be able to open the floodgates hopefully, and many more will follow me.

Q. What was the key shot today, the moment that you really realized that you were going to win this tournament?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: Hitting the fairway with my tee shot at 18.

Q. We saw you twirl the club. There was a look on your face that you knew that was the key shot. Hideki, it's wonderful to see you as a Masters champion. Fred, it's that time.

FRED RIDLEY: Thank you, Jim. Dustin, we'd be honored if you'd place the Green Jacket on our newest champion, Hideki Matsuyama. Congratulations, Hideki.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: Thanks.