15-Year-Old Matsuyama makes history as youngest Japan Amateur Champion

June 28, 2024 | by Amit Pandey of AmateurGolf.com

Mao Matsuyama (Japan Golf Association photo)

Matsuyama makes his mark on the amateur golf game and wins in playoff in Japan

Mao Matsuyama, a high school student, achieved a historic victory at the Japan Amateur Championship, becoming the youngest winner in the tournament's history at 15 years and 344 days. Matsuyama clinched the title with a par in a dramatic two-hole playoff against 21-year-old Kinki University student Masayuki Yamashita at Hirono Golf Club in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture.

The competition was fierce, as both players ended the regulation 54 holes tied at 7-under par. The final round was called off due to severe weather conditions, necessitating a sudden-death playoff to determine the champion.

Matsuyama carded rounds of 68-67-68 and Yamashita 67-66-70 to match their total scores at 7-under, setting the stage for the playoff.

Matsuyama's victory broke the previous record held by Takumi Kanaya, who won the championship at 17 years and 51 days in 2015. Kanaya, now a professional golfer with six JGTO Tour wins, set a high bar, but Matsuyama's achievement has set a new standard.

His path to victory in the tournament was marked by a dramatic comeback. Trailing by two strokes after the 53rd hole, Matsuyama delivered an impressive 300-yard drive on the 54th hole, a 456-yard par-4, and signed for a birdie, while Yamashita struggled and posted a bogey, resulting in the tie that led to the play-off. And he took care of the rest the next afternoon.

The win capped an incredible two weeks for Matsuyama. The previous week, he won the individual title at the Toyota Junior Golf World Cup against tough international competitors, shooting rounds of 67-64-68 to finish 14-under. His efforts also helped Japan secure third place at 13-under in the team category.

Matsuyama, a newcomer to the competitive golf scene, has quickly shown promise by earning world-ranking points in his last two events. With Japan's rich golfing history, it will be exciting to follow the young Matsuyama's journey.

Results: Japan Amateur

Place	Player	Location	Pts	Scores
1	Mao Matsuyama	, Japan	700	68-67-68=203
2	Masayuki Yamashita	, Japan	500	67-66-70=203
3	Seiji Kokaiwado	, Japan	400	69-67-68=204
4	Shu Fukuzumi	, Japan	400	67-68-70=205
5	Keigo Takehara	, Japan	400	71-68-67=206