Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

Hideki Matsuyama has spoken of his major ambitions following his win at the Memorial Tournament, presented by Jack Nicklaus.

“One of my goals since I was a little guy was to win on the U.S. PGA Tour, and now that I’ve done that, my next goal now would be to win one of the four majors,” he said after the win.

Matsuyama showed some of the mental toughness needed to claim one of golf’s major championships, winning in a play-off against Kevin Na at the first extra hole.

“To win it here at Mr. Nicklaus’ course, it really gives me a lot of confidence.”

Heading into sudden death Hideki Matsuyama had to tee-off with his three wood after his driver snapped when he gently hit it into the ground at the last. However, it was his approach shot that caused him problems as he pulled it left of the green. Matsuyama then produced an excellent flop shot which landed ten-feet from the flag, and he held his nerve to sink the putt.

The victory was Matsuyama’s first on the PGA Tour, and the young Japanese star hopes there will be more to come.

“To win my first PGA Tour event is enough, but to win it here at Mr. Nicklaus’ course, it really gives me a lot of confidence now going on,” said Hideki Matsuyama.

The tournament’s host, Jack Nicklaus agreed, “This young man’s going to win a lot of golf tournaments,” said Nicklaus.

“22-year-old, that’s how old I was when I won my first tournament. So I think he’s got a little time left.” Nicklaus joked.

Hideki Matsuyama thanks Adam Scott

Last year Hideki Matsuyama partnered Adam Scott in the Presidents Cup, held at Muirfield Village, and he was able to draw on this experience when it mattered.

“I was able to learn the course at the Presidents Cup last year,” he said.

“Even more so than being able to be paired with Adam Scott. It was just the luck of the draw. But to be able to play with Adam, who I played with a lot during the Presidents Cup, made it a lot easier for me to play today. I owe a lot to him.

Hideki Matsuyama now turns his attention to the US Open at Pinehurst on June 12.