Hideki Matsuyama stands as Japan’s brightest golf star, blending quiet intensity with surgical precision. Since turning pro, he’s carved out a spot among the game’s elite—most famously at Augusta, where history met humility.
Little is known about his private routine. Elusive off the green, his personal life has stirred curiosity, even as he lets his game do the talking. From low-key love life rumors to rare glimpses of family, the intrigue only grows.
And then there’s his caddie—more than just a sidekick, a figure of calm in pressure-cooked moments. Together, they’ve weathered both triumphs and trials, making his journey in golf one of quiet resilience and unshakable focus.
How old is Hideki Matsuyama?
Born on February 25, 1992, in the town of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Hideki Matsuyama turned 33 in 2025. His age may suggest a player in his prime, but in many ways, he is already a veteran of the global golf stage.
Hideki Matsuyama of Team Japan smiles on the 13th green during a practice round on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Le Golf National on July 31, 2024. (Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
His mature game and measured approach on the course reflect a decade-long professional journey that began in 2013. From his early success as an amateur to his landmark Masters title in 2021, age has only added layers to his game.
How tall is Hideki Matsuyama?
Matsuyama stands at 5 feet 11 inches (181 cm), a frame that gives him both reach and leverage in his swing. That height, combined with his powerful build supports the precision and consistency that define his long game.
Unlike towering players who dominate with sheer force, his height allows for a balanced combination of strength and control. His posture and form have long been cited by analysts as models of efficiency.
Is Hideki Matsuyama single?
Publicly, Matsuyama has always preferred silence over spectacle. For years, his love life was a mystery, sparking speculation and media curiosity. Then, in 2017, during a press conference, he casually revealed that he had been married and that his wife, Mei, had given birth to their daughter, Kanna.
The understated announcement matched his character. There were no headlines or Instagram posts, just a quiet acknowledgment of a major life event. Whether this privacy is cultural, personal or strategic, one thing is clear: He chooses to let his golf speak for him.
Hideki Matsuyama’s family
His relationship with his parents played a crucial role in his development. His father, Mikio Matsuyama, introduced him to golf and nurtured his early talent. While the world sees only the stoic competitor, behind the scenes he is a family man with deep roots and a clear sense of purpose.
Hideki Matsuyama of Japan looks on while playing the third hole during the third round of the Truist Championship 2025 at The Wissahickon on May 10, 2025. (Source: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Who is the caddie of Hideki Matsuyama?
Shota Hayafuji has become more than just a caddie for Matsuyama, he’s a partner in every sense of the game. Their chemistry was most visible during the 2021 Masters win, when Hayafuji bowed to Augusta’s 18th green in a gesture that went viral across.
It was a moment of deep respect and cultural pride. Hayafuji, known for his calm demeanor, has been with him through some of his biggest moments. Their shared language and cultural shorthand create a trust that’s rare on tour.
Hideki Matsuyama’s career highlights
- 2010 | Wins the Asian Amateur Championship: As a student at Tohoku Fukushi University, Matsuyama clinched the title that would change everything. The win earned him an invitation to the 2011 Masters — making him the first Japanese amateur to ever play Augusta.
- 2011 | Low amateur at the Masters Tournament: Not only did he qualify — he made the cut. Matsuyama finished as the low amateur, gaining global attention for his poise and technical game under pressure at just 19 years old.
- 2013 | Turns professional and dominates the Japan Golf Tour: In his first year as a pro, Matsuyama won four tournaments on the Japan Golf Tour and topped the money list — a feat that quickly earned him PGA Tour status.
- 2014 | First PGA Tour Win at the Memorial Tournament: Beating Kevin Na in a playoff, Matsuyama secured his first win on U.S. soil, signaling his arrival as a serious contender outside Japan.
- 2016–2017 | A career surge with multiple titles: During this stretch, Matsuyama notched wins at the Waste Management Phoenix Open (twice), WGC-HSBC Champions, and Bridgestone Invitational. He briefly reached No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking in 2017.
- 2021 | Wins the Masters Tournament: In a watershed moment for golf, Matsuyama became the first Japanese male golfer to win a major championship. His victory at Augusta National was historic — not just for him, but for an entire nation. It also made him a global ambassador for the sport overnight.
- 2024 | Olympic bronze and continued relevance: Representing Japan at the Paris Olympics, Matsuyama earned a bronze medal in golf. That same season, he also contended in several FedEx Cup events, proving he remains a fixture among golf’s elite.
