History is made! Matsuyama clings on for Masters glory on dramatic final day at Augusta
Masters round-up: Saturday
Hideki Matsuyama put on a shot-making clinic to put one arm in the Green Jacket and with it become the first Asian player to win the Masters.
As conditions fluctuated throughout the round, the Japanese star made it look effortless as he secured a bogey-free round of 65.
A back-nine 30 including four birdies and an eagle means Matsuyama will take a priceless four-shot cushion into the final day.
The chasing pack will need to do something special to snatch away the main prize, though. Matsuyama has carded a level-par 72 or better in each of his last four final rounds at Augusta.
If Matsuyama holds on he would become the first Japanese major champion in the men’s game and third overall – Hisako Higuchi won the 1977 Women’s PGA Championship and Hinako Shibuno triumphed at the 2019 Women’s Open.
It would also mean two Japanese winners in as many weeks on this course, after Tsubasa Kajitani won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur just seven days ago.
- RELATED: What’s in Matsuyama’s bag?
First and second-round leader Justin Rose battled to post a level-par 72 and will begin the final round at -7, alongside Xander Schauffele – who will play in the final group with Matsuyama – Marc Leishman, and Will Zalatoris.
- RELATED: Final round tee times
- RELATED: Masters TV schedule
Team GB&I watch
How are the British and Irish players looking ahead of the final round?
Justin Rose (-7): On another day it could have been an 80 – but Rose’s recovery game was on point.
Robert MacIntyre (-2): Solid 2-under-par third round for Bob Mac, who continues to impress on his Masters debut.
Shane Lowry (E): Even par for the Open champ. Steady.
Matthew Fitzpatrick (+1): A birdie on 18 couldn’t prevent Fitzpatrick slipping back through the pack.
Tommy Fleetwood (+1): Not the day Fleetwood would have hoped for, with a double on seven killing any momentum.
Martin Laird (+1): A steady even-par round for Laird as he settles in the middle of the pack.
Matt Wallace (+1): Wallace shoots his best round of the week so far, and will be looking for a low one tomorrow to round off a good Masters.
Tyrrell Hatton (+3): Six bogeys hinder Hatton as he languishes to a 2-over third round – hitting reverse on Saturday.
Ian Poulter (+3): Poulter pips Casey in an all-English two ball, but has too much to do with one round to go.
Paul Casey (+4): Casey bogeys 18 for the second day in a row as he fails to capitalise.
16 years ago today…
This happened. Goosebumps.
Best shot of the day
Just Spieth doing ‘Spiethy’ things at Augusta…
And again…
Finally, how can we not include an ace?
Just the sixth ever in the Masters on the sixth hole. Take a bow, Corey Conners.
Worst shot of the day
Even after a torrid run of three bogeys in eight holes, you would still back Thomas with a wedge in his hand…
Silly Billy
Party time at Augusta
Look what making the weekend meant to Bubba Watson and caddie Ted Scott…
And speaking of movers…
Fashion police
This is not a personal vendetta against Viktor Hovland, but he cannot be allowed to get away with this…
We can only imagine what he has in store for Sunday.
Stat(s) of the day
Looking for an in-play bet over the weekend? Take note of this gem from Justin Ray…
Anyway, that’s enough from me today. Check back tomorrow for another round up of the day’s action at Augusta National.
If you missed anything from Thursday and Friday at Augusta, scroll down and hit ‘next page’…
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Alex Perry
Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.
