DUBLIN (Ohio) — Muirfield Village is a place that Hideki Matsuyama just can’t seem to get enough of.
The Japanese golfer, who shot a 7 under 65 on Friday to gain a one-shot advantage midway through round two, said via a translator: “I love this golf course.” “I would love to play this course more often in a tournament setting, because it is just wonderful here.” It’s a challenging golf course and that is the biggest challenge.
Matsuyama’s first appearance at the Memorial was in 2014. He also tied for fifth place in 2015, and finished sixth in 2019. Matsuyama’s 3-wood was illegally marked and he was disqualified from the first round last year.
Memorial Photos
He was 2-over on Thursday after a double bogey at No. He eagled par-5 number 15 before hitting the 12th. His second shot was just one foot away from holing it out.
His putting was on fire in Friday’s bogey free round. On his front nine, he made birdie puts of 13 and 17. Matsuyama overtook David Lipsky by making a putt of 25 feet on No. The par-3 eighth hole was a 33-footer.
Hideki Matsuyama walks towards the ninth hole during the second round at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Aaron Doster – USA TODAY Sports
He said, “To make those putsts was huge.” The course, and especially the greens, are playing very hard. It’s going be challenging this weekend if the greens become even more difficult than they already are. “But today, the putts were in and I am satisfied.”
Matsuyama became the first Asian born player to win the Masters in 2021. The last year was a little difficult, in part because of the neck injury that he suffered last March. Matsuyama only has one top-5 finish in the last six months.
He said, “It has been a difficult time.” “My distance has decreased from what it used to be.” “But I’m working on it, and hopefully we’ll enjoy a great summer.”
Matsuyama had already become a star in Japan before he won the Masters. He is followed by a Japanese media mob.
Matsuyama expressed his gratitude for the presence of the media. It’s my link to my fans in Japan. I’m happy they can see me perform. “But sometimes, there are expectations that can be difficult to meet.”
Matsuyama, 31, has a new look – a mustache.
He said, “I don’t know why I allowed it to grow, but everyone says that it looks great, so I think it will be here for a while.”
Muirfield Village is his home away. He replied “Yeah. We’ll speak to Mr. Nicklaus.” Jason (Day), a resident of Westerville, Ohio can make a recommendation.
