Hideki Matsuyama Struggles with Unlucky Bounce at The Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Hideki Matsuyama, the reigning Masters champion, experienced a frustrating turn of events during his first round at Augusta National on Thursday.

Playing the par-5 13th hole, Matsuyama found himself at 1 under par for the day after suffering a bogey on the previous hole. Following a missed short putt on No. 12, the Japanese golfer aimed to regain his momentum from 67 yards out, laying up short of the tributary to Rae’s Creek.

Matsuyama executed what appeared to be a well-placed shot onto the green, only for fate to intervene. After one bounce, his ball struck the flagstick and ricocheted back into the water hazard, leading to a penalty stroke as he was forced to drop.

Following the drop, Matsuyama managed to hit his fifth shot onto the green, but it rolled past the hole and settled approximately 15 feet away. Despite his efforts, he two-putted for a double bogey, bringing his score to 1 over par for the round.

This misfortune highlights the unpredictable nature of golf, especially at a prestigious event like The Masters, where every stroke counts significantly in a player’s quest for the green jacket.