The largest golf event in the world, the Masters, took place earlier this month. With lots of expectations and disappointments, this year’s 85th Masters was quite a ride.

Throughout the world, tens of millions of people were filled with high expectations and huge disappointments. World No.1 Dustin Johnson was cut from the Masters, after shooting 5 over through 36 holes. Other notable golfers, such as Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia were also cut.

Throughout the United States, millions of people were rooting for underdog Jordan Spieth after his win in the Valero Texas Open. 

Even new golfers shone this tournament. Pro golfer Will Zalatoris was given the opportunity to play in this year’s Masters and he sure did put out a show for the fans. Opening up with birdie birdie on the last round, fans were gaining hope that Zalatoris would win over leader Hideki Matsuyama. However, the lead was far too great on Matsuyama and the opportunity was lost. 

Although he played ferociously through all 72 holes shooting 9 under, the bacon was taken home by Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama.

Hideki Matsuyama has had ten Masters appearances in his entire golf career, but has had not one win during all those appearances. However, at this Masters, his drought was finally over.

As he entered his final round on Sunday, Matsuyama started off with a bogey on the first hole, but soon gathered his tempo as he went birdie on hole 2, birdies on hole 8 and 9, bogey on 12, birdie on 13 and bogeys on 15, 16 and 17. Although the final holes were a bit of a hiccup, Matsuyama nonetheless beat out Will Zalatoris, shooting 10 under.

On the final hole, as Matsuyama finished his putt, his caddie Shota Hayafuji placed the flag stick back in the cup, took off his cap, and bowed. This small, yet powerful bow stated the respect and loyalty to the Masters and Japan. An absolute class act.

Although Matsuyama’s golf life has been exceptional with 14 PGA tour wins, this Masters win marks the first Japanese man to win a Major tournament in golf history.