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By Frank Pingue
(Reuters) - Hideki Matsuyama said
on Tuesday that the two-week COVID-19 quarantine he underwent
upon his return to Japan after his Masters triumph last month
allowed him a chance to absorb the magnitude of his momentous
victory.
Matsuyama, making his much-anticipated return to action at this
week's PGA Tour event in Texas, said being in quarantine freed
him up to read probably every newspaper and magazine story about
him becoming the first Japanese man to win a major.
"Seeing how the Masters win was portrayed in Japan was great,
really unforgettable, and that really stands out for my trip
back to Japan," Matsuyama said ahead of this week's AT&T Byron
Nelson.
Matsuyama said he only wore the Masters champion's Green Jacket
twice while in Japan, once during a news conference and the
other time when he met Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to
receive an award.
Matsuyama, who was already followed by a huge media contingent,
said he is not used to all the attention he has received since
his one-shot Masters victory.
"I realize now the responsibility that goes with a major
championship, especially the Masters," said Matsuyama. "I'm
honored. I'm flattered by the added attention, but at the same
time, sometimes it's difficult to say no.
"But it goes with the territory and, again, grateful that I have
this opportunity and I'll try my best to prepare well for what's
to come."
Matsuyama, whose best finish in two appearances at the AT&T
Byron Nelson is a share of 16th place in 2018, said he barely
picked up a golf club while in Japan.
World number 15 Matsuyama said his focus for this week is
getting back into form ahead of the year's second major - the
May 20-23 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Resort's Ocean
Course in South Carolina.
"I didn't get to practice very much at all," said Matsuyama "And
then coming back here, and I'm just, really one of my goals now
is just to try to find my game again and prepare for the PGA
Championship next week."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Davis)
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