When Hideki Matsuyama won the 2021 Masters earlier this month, he left Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia with a fancy green jacket, a sterling silver replica of the Masters Trophy, a gold medal and a whopping $2.07 million.
On Friday, the 29-year-old earned another esteemed honor.
Matsuyama received the Prime Minister’s Award from Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo after becoming the country’s first male major champion.
“Due to the influence of the coronavirus, both worldwide and across Japan, we are all living different lives, but even in these times, if this win can provide a sliver of hope to people, and inspire more kids, or even just one kid to want to try and play golf in the future, that makes me extremely happy,” said Matsuyama. “I am very happy to receive the Prime Minister’s Award for winning the Masters.”
Matsuyama, a six-time winner on the PGA Tour – including two World Golf Championship titles – is the 34th individual recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award.
Today, #TheMasters Champion Hideki Matsuyama was recognized for “bringing courage and hope” to the people of Japan as he was recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award, one of the country’s highest honors.
Photo Credit: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan pic.twitter.com/hZs2DwbvSu
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 30, 2021
“If by me winning the Masters inspires little children to think that they too can now win the Masters, then that makes me extremely happy. I’d be thrilled if other athletes and kids look at golf and want to get better. I will continue to do my best,” Matsuyama added, while noting his work this year is just beginning.
“This just makes me want to work even harder and do even better, and I thank you all for your continued support. I will work hard to win a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics.”