An awkward moment with Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama with his Genesis trophy – image Getty Images
Hideki Matsuyama’s 9th PGA Tour victory at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles today and his subsequent press conference reminded me of my one, and only, exposure to the Japanese star and it was an awkward one.
Matsuyama’s final round of 62 at the demanding Riviera Country Club layout today saw him record a three-shot victory over Will Zalatoris and Luke List after beginning the final round a massive five shots behind the leader Patrick Cantlay.
In 2012 the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, however, the broadcast team decided to engage an on-course commentator for the first time in addition to the host Bill Macatee and New Zealand’s Frank Nobilo and, fortunately, I was chosen for what would be the first of six consecutive Asia Pacific Championships in which I played a similar role.
At one stage on the first day that year, however, I thought my debut in the event might have been my last.
The 2012 Championship was held at Amata Springs Golf Club near Bangkok and the 17th hole there is a par 3 surrounded by water which requires a 50 metre, or so, boat ride to get to the green.
The boat ride to the 17th green
Matsuyama, who had won the Asia Pacific Championship the previous two years and was considered the favourite to win again, had started slowly that day and appeared at one stage as if he might have strained a wrist from a difficult lie on the 11th hole.
I was with his group and the broadcast’s Producer, Sellers Shy, (an American now in charge of CBS’s PGA Tour coverage) suggested that I ride with Matsuyama and ask him if the injury was indeed an issue.
A cameraman and I jumped aboard with Matsuyama and Australian Oliver Goss and their caddies and headed across to the green at which point I suggested to Matsuyama (on air) that this was an interesting way to get from a tee to a green.
I had had no exposure to Matsuyama prior to that week so when instructed to jump aboard and speak to Matsuyama I figured the producer felt it would be ok and that his english was ok especially given he had won the previous two APAC’s.
Matsuyama’s grasp of the English language is not great even now, but back then, 11 years ago, it was even worse, and after asking the question he just looked straight at me on live, internationally broadcast, television and said the words ‘no english’ suggesting there was no way he knew what I was referring to.
If I could have jumped over the side at that point I would have but I very quickly turned to Oliver Goss who got me out of a hole somewhat by answering the question in some form or other.
I wondered if my faux pas might have led to me being replaced the following year but, fortunately, I went on to perform the same role in China, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Seoul and Wellington so it was not perhaps as bad as I imagined but at the time it was embarrassing, to say the least.
Matsuyama’s win today was his first since the Sony Open in January of 2022, his form since impacted by neck injury issues, but he again showed that when right he is as good as anyone.
Australian Jason Day finished as the leading Australian in a share of 9th place.
