This historic victory has reverberated in Asia and throughout the world.
Because the benefits are so immense, there is no way to accurately measure the impact of what the young Mr. Matsuyama accomplished at this year’s Masters Tournament. Ah, yes, the $2,070.000 winnings are readily calculable and future endorsements—along with other commercial opportunities—are very much a given for this Japanese professional. However, what is immeasurable is the impact on the geopolitical and social landscape of America and the rest of the golfing world. When asked if he felt the weight of the day on the back nine, Matsuyama said through long- time interpreter Bob Turner, “I felt the nervousness from the very first swing.” That said, the calm and steadiness Matsuyama displayed under great pressure during the final round at Augusta is an indication of future great achievements for this young man.
Matsuyama is standing on great Asian shoulders about whom few “outside the ropes” have ever seen or heard. This article introduces you to just a few of the pioneers of Asian golf professionals who have, over time, made their mark in the golfing world.
A professional golfer who recorded over 77 wins across the golf circuit on various tours, Japanese-born Isao Aoki finished top-10 in Major events five times in his career. Hailing from Abiko, Chiba, Japan, Aoki caddied at the Abiko Golf Club as a youngster. No stranger to American golf, Aoki finished a memorable two strokes behind Jack Nicklaus at the 1980 U.S. Open at Baltusrol in Springfield, New Jersey. Three years later, he became the first person from Japan to win on the PGA TOUR when he holed a pitching wedge for eagle on the 72nd hole to beat Jack Renner at the Hawaiian Open. He went on to win nine times on the Champions Tour. Aoki, now 78, is the only Japanese man in the World Golf Hall of Fame, having won 73 times worldwide on six different tours.**
Well-known and well-liked Korean golfer K.J. Choi has won seven PGA TOUR events in the last seven years. He has also had He also has four top-10s in majors over the last five years, and has enjoyed six international victories. While in high school, Choi learned the game by watching videos of Jack Nicklaus and reading his instruction books—which is the reason why his victory at the 2007 Memorial Tournament meant so much. **
Thai-born professional golfer Sukree Onsham is well-known for his multiple victories on the Asian and European Tours during the 1970’s and early 1980’s, and is considered to be the most prolific Asian golfer of his era. He also played on the European and Japan Senior Tours for approximately 12 years, beginning in 1998. Onsham is known to have been the first Thai golfer to have competed in the Masters Tournament (1970).
Shigeki Maruyama is a three-time winner on the PGA TOUR who first served notice he was a force to be reckoned with at the 1998 Presidents Cup. Born in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan, Maruyama turned professional in 1992, later earning the nickname the “Smiling Assassin,” as he won all five of his matches in Australia’s International victory. Later, his playoff victory at the 2001 Greater Milwaukee Open made him the first Japanese man to win on the U.S. mainland. Maruyama also shot 58 in a U.S. Open qualifier.
The eldest of three brothers (all of whom played professional golf), Masashi (Jumbo) Ozaki has enjoyed most of his success on the Japan Tour. He won 94 times and led the money list on 12 occasions. He also had 19 other international wins and three top-10s in major championships — ties for eighth at the 1973 Masters, eighth at the 1989 U.S. Open, and 10th at the 1979 British Open.**
A 48-time winner on the Japan Tour, Tsuneyuki (Tommy) Nakajima ranks third on its all-time wins list. He also led the money list four times. Nakajima never won on the PGA TOUR, but he had six top-10 finishes at major championships, including third place at the 1988 PGA.
South Korean golfer Y.E. Yang captured his first PGA TOUR title at The Honda Classic in 2009. Yang picked up the sport at age 19, when a friend advised him to go to a local driving range in Korea. Two years later, Yang began his South Korean military requirement, but shortly after his stint he traveled to New Zealand to pursue a golf career. In addition to his PGA TOUR win, Yang has won five international titles. **
These are just a few of the more widely-known Asian players who paved the way for Hideki Matsuyuma’s success. And, much like Black and Latino Americans, many Asian golfers are playing and creating opportunities for those who will undoubtedly follow.
**source: pgatour.com
