The Masters: Hideki Matsuyama proud of caddie's 'special' gesture

It was a Masters moment that went viral. As Hideki Matsuyama made his way off the 18th green at Augusta National after becoming Japan’s first men’s major winner, his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, stood beside the hole, removed his hat and bowed.

“I didn't see it in person, but I did see it on TV, and I thought it was something very special,” said Matsuyama, recalling the marvellous gesture as he prepared for his Green Jacket defence in the event’s 86th edition.

“I'm glad that Shota did it,” he added. “It's a sign of respect, not only to the Masters tournament but Augusta National. It was something that was good. I never really thought it would receive the attention that it has generated.”

Helped by a third-round 65, Matsuyama succeeded where the likes of Isao Aoki, ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki, Tommy Nakajima and Shigeki Maruyama all came up short in their bids over the years to become a major champion.

“To be the first to do it was a source of great pride, I guess,” admitted the 30-year-old, who has been hampered by a back problem in the build up to his return to the Georgia venue. “But I'm really not the pioneer.

“There's been so many others that have come before me that have laid the foundation for me to achieve this goal. So it's not just me, but it's all of those that have gone before me that have tried and struggled and put the work in and were great examples to me.”

During his reign as Masters champion, Matsuyama has landed the Zozo Championship on home soil by five shots and also won the Sony Open in Hawaii in a play-off. Off the course, though, has the last 12 months changed his life?

“I haven't really figured that out yet,” he said. “I know I'm a happier person. I've also noticed people have received me differently. It's been a