The temperament is excellent
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Hideki's victory at the Phoenix Open proved that he certainly has what it takes to win under pressure. The win was all the more special as he did a repeat performance of one of his biggest title triumphs with the pressure of being defending champion looming large. He beat Webb Simpson in a play-off in one of golf’s loudest and most intimidating environments.
Winning a major championship is not every great golfer's cup of tea. Look at the example of Sergio Garcia who is arguably gifted with the most talented swing technique. Then there are the likes of Henrik Stenson, Jason Day and Dustin Johnson who have only recently gotten over the line after a series of close calls.
It is a very demanding ask to keep your composure when trying to close-out on a major championship Sunday. Hideki definitely ticks that box as he seems to have a good check on his emotions coming down the stretch and is able to produce the goods when it matters the most.
On the basis of recent evidence, Matsuyama has both the talent of Garcia and the temperament of someone like Fred Couples. It’s a wonderful combination of characteristics.
“The way he stalks his shots and putts, his demeanour going into each shot, there’s supreme focus there,” Jordan Spieth once said of Matsuyama.“A lot of times you see guys get lazy stepping into shots. You don’t see that from him.”
