Matsuyama took on the challenge with the same trainers and caddies as last year’s “Masters”. The combined strength of “Team Matsuyama” supported the team in the face of injuries and bad weather (Photo: Kyodo News / Getty Images)The Masters, one of the four major men’s golf tournaments, reached its final day on April 11 (Japan time). Hideki Matsuyama (30), the reigning champion, finished in a tie for 2nd place in the qualifying round, but his score fell dramatically on the third day, and he eventually finished in a tie for 14th place. He missed the title for the second year in a row. Although he had to push through neck pain that he developed in March, golf journalist Kazuhiko Muto analyzed the event, saying, “It was a very fruitful tournament.” “Matsuyama’s style until now has been young golf, relying on physical strength and power. However, with injuries preventing him from practicing and producing distance, at Augusta he was able to see the entire 18-hole course and play golf with a crisp, clear game. It’s a benefit of the injury, but it’s a big gain in broadening my style of play. “