U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2021

June 16, 2021

Hideki Matsuyama

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Flash Interview

THE MODERATOR: We are joined by Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama. Hideki, talk about your preparation this week and how the course is playing.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: It's a difficult Torrey Pines again. Some of the differences, when we play earlier in the year, the rough is much thicker and the greens are much firmer. It's going to be a tough test this week.

THE MODERATOR: Your second major back as a major champion. Do you feel more comfortable with that title, and what is your mindset like?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: All I can do is my best. It's good to be a major title winner, and hopefully that momentum will carry through this week.

Q. A lot of talk about the rough here. Talk about how you've been playing out of it, especially around the greens.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: You're exactly right. Around the greens is very difficult, especially compared to when we play earlier in the year. It is going to be a real difficult test, and there's some places where you just can't miss it around the greens.

Q. A lot of the commentators talk about your one-handed finishes and that you don't always look happy with your shot. Are you really thinking you've hit a bad shot, or is there something else going on there?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: Even on some good shots, if I'm not striking it the way I want to, a lot of times that one-arm finish will occur, and it's not like I'm upset at the shot, but hopefully people won't read too much into it.

Q. Can you talk a little bit about what makes U.S. Open week different? A lot of people think it's a tougher test but that they relish that test for a week out of the year.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: Yeah, it is a special week. It's not only a major, but it requires you to drive the ball in the fairway and hit greens. Fairway and greens are really important. Par is a good score at the U.S. Open. You just have to avoid the bogeys from time to time. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

Q. In this country everyone knows who Michael Jordan is. Can you explain to us, for those that wouldn't know, what it's like to be a major champion and living in Japan.

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: I'm really just getting started. I'm not in that class, that level of player. I just have to keep working hard, and hopefully every day I'll be able to improve my game and be a worthy major title holder.

Q. Does he feel like there's more demands on him now that he's won a major, at least in Japan?

HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: You're right, there are a lot more demands than before, but actually it's a happy thing. Hopefully I can keep playing well and the demands will become even greater.