Masters is a win for Hideki Matsuyama, and for Japan

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — There was a time when the top golfers at big tournaments would always get a question from Japanese media about Hideki Matsuyama. Everyone knew he could play. They were looking for acceptance on a world stage. Matsuyama delivered that with a green jacket. He won the Masters on Sunday to become the first Japanese man to win a major. And all of Japan can celebrate. Not only did Matsuyama win the Masters, his victory came nine days after Tsubasa Kujitani won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Matsuyama says he hopes his victory can be inspiring to the next generation.