Greatly Impressed by Hideki Matsuyama's Caddie Bowing Respectfully to Augusta National Course [2021/04/23]
After Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama wins The Masters on April 11, 2021, at Augusta National, his caddie Shota Hayafuji lit up social media after CBS cameras picked up his respectful bow at the conclusion of the major golf tournament.
Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama made history when he won the 2021 Masters on April 11 at iconic Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, the United States. He became the first Japanese golfer to win a men’s major golf championship and the first Asian-born player to wear the Green Jacket.
But in the aftermath of his triumph, it was his caddie Shota Hayafuji who went viral on social media after CBS cameras picked up his respectful bow at the conclusion of the tournament. He collected the flag from the 18th hole as a keepsake and then turned to face the fairway, removed his hat and made a solemn bow as a gesture of respect to the famed Augusta course.
Following a recent rash of anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States, I was greatly impressed by the image of our countryman bowing at Augusta National, demonstrating an important feature of Japanese culture, which places heavy emphasis on respect－with bowing is one of the primary ways that people in Japan show this.
“An understated act of respect is melting hearts at the Masters and quickly going viral as one of the best highlights of the event,” reported AFP while FOX Sports said: “Matsuyama’s caddie Shota Hayafuji did something that captured the hearts and minds of the sports world.”
“The Masters commands so much respect in the golf world, and Hayafuji clearly recognizes that. To give the respect back to the course shows how much winning the tournament means to him and Matsuyama, well beyond just the money. What an awesome gesture,” golf writer Mr. Larry Brown wrote.
The bow captivated many golf fans and spectators around the world, and they took to Twitter and Instagram to appreciate the gesture.
Here’s a sampling:
“Class all the way. Great culture!” @BigRandyNLU
“Quite an image. My favorite moment of the day. So Japanese. So cool. Great culture.” @Sean_Zak
“This might be the best thing I have ever seen in golf.” @greenmarketguy
“What a moment for @ShotaHayafuji. Bowing to the course after Hideki wins” @caddieworld
“The bow to the course is one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in golf. Wow! Big congrats to Hideki! What a weekend. What a tournament. Sad it’s over. Till next year.”@bantamgolf
“Amazing moment, so happy for them and they’re families AND Japan.” @sfish27