If you were watching the final round of the 2021 Masters, you probably felt that weird, heavy tension hanging over Augusta National. It wasn't just the usual major championship pressure. Honestly, it felt like an entire nation was holding its breath.
Hideki Matsuyama won the 2021 Masters, and in doing so, he became the first Japanese male golfer to ever win a major.
He didn't just win a golf tournament. He basically became an immortal in Japan overnight. Imagine the weight of that. For decades, Japanese fans had waited for a "major" breakthrough, and Matsuyama delivered it at the most prestigious venue in the world. He finished with a 72-hole total of 278, which is 10 under par. He beat a hard-charging Will Zalatoris by exactly one stroke.
It was close. Really close.
The Saturday Charge That Changed Everything
Most people look at the Sunday leaderboard to see who won the 2021 Masters, but the real magic happened on Saturday afternoon. A weather delay hit. Matsuyama was struggling a bit before the sirens blew. He spent that rain delay sitting in his car, playing video games on his phone. Seriously.
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When he came back out, he was a different human being. He went on a tear, shooting a 65 that included an eagle and four birdies on the back nine. That gave him a four-shot lead going into Sunday.
The Final Round Drama
Sunday was anything but a victory lap. Golf is hard, and Augusta is harder.
- The Lead: Matsuyama started with a four-shot cushion.
- The Challenger: Will Zalatoris, a Masters rookie, refused to go away, putting up a 70 on Sunday.
- The Scare: Matsuyama found the water on the 15th hole (Firethorn). His lead shrunk. Hearts skipped beats.
- The Finish: He carded a bogey on the 18th, but it didn't matter. He was the champion.
The image of his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, bowing to the 18th fairway after the pin was replaced? That went viral for a reason. It was pure class.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2021 Field
People remember Hideki's win, but they often forget how much the "big names" struggled that week. Dustin Johnson was the defending champion. He didn't even make the cut. Think about that—the world number one at the time was packing his bags by Friday night.
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Then you had Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele. They were right there. Schauffele was actually putting massive pressure on Matsuyama until he hit it in the water on the par-3 16th. That triple-bogey basically handed the green jacket to Hideki. If Xander saves par there, we might still be watching a playoff.
Why This Win Still Matters in 2026
Looking back from 2026, we see this wasn't just a fluke. Matsuyama has stayed at the top of the game, recently winning big in 2024 and 2025. But this win was the spark. It proved that the "pause at the top" of his swing—that signature, slow-motion move—could hold up under the most intense pressure imaginable.
It also changed the economics of golf in Asia. The "Hideki Effect" led to massive increases in sponsorships and interest across Japan. He isn't just a golfer anymore; he’s a brand.
The 2021 Masters Leaderboard (Top 5)
| Player | Total Score | To Par |
|---|---|---|
| Hideki Matsuyama | 278 | -10 |
| Will Zalatoris | 279 | -9 |
| Jordan Spieth | 281 | -7 |
| Xander Schauffele | 281 | -7 |
| Jon Rahm | 282 | -6 |
Jon Rahm actually shot a 66 on Sunday to sneak into that tie for fifth. It was a sign of what was to come for him later, but in 2021, the spotlight belonged to one man.
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A Legacy of Resilience
Matsuyama’s journey to the Green Jacket actually started ten years earlier. In 2011, he was the Low Amateur at Augusta. He stood in Butler Cabin next to Charl Schwartzel. At that time, Japan was reeling from a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Matsuyama almost didn't play that year. He went because he wanted to give his country something to cheer for.
Fast forward a decade, and he gave them the ultimate prize.
If you're looking to improve your own game by watching the 2021 Masters highlights, pay attention to Hideki’s iron play. He gained more strokes on the field with his approach shots than almost anyone in the modern era of the tournament. He hit it close, and he stayed patient.
Actionable Insights for Golf Fans:
- Watch the Saturday back-nine highlights. It's a masterclass in aggressive play when the course softens up.
- Analyze the 15th hole strategy. Even the best in the world make mistakes under pressure—Matsuyama’s recovery is more instructive than his error.
- Respect the caddie's role. The relationship between Matsuyama and Hayafuji that week was a blueprint for teamwork in high-stakes sports.
The 2021 Masters wasn't just another tournament. It was a cultural shift. Hideki Matsuyama didn't just win a jacket; he opened the door for an entire generation of international players to believe they could conquer Augusta.