Hideki Matsuyama recently shared his experience of being robbed in London, where his caddie and coach had their passports stolen. The incident occurred during a stopover between Paris and Memphis, with Matsuyama’s caddie, Shota Hayafuji, losing his bag at a restaurant. As a result, both the caddie and coach had to return to Japan to sort out new passports, leaving Matsuyama to compete without his regular team.
Matsuyama described the situation as unfortunate, with only his wallet being stolen, but his caddie and coach losing their passports. He expressed hope that they would be able to rejoin the team as soon as possible, with Hayafuji set to return to caddie duties in two weeks at the Tour Championship. The theft took place suddenly during a dinner in downtown London, leaving the team surprised and frustrated.
Despite the absence of his regular caddie, Matsuyama had Ryo Hisatsune’s usual caddie, Taiga Tabuchi, on the bag for the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He praised Tabuchi for doing a great job in their first round together, where Matsuyama shot a five-under-par 65. The golfer highlighted the importance of teamwork with his caddie and expressed confidence in managing the situation until his regular team is reunited.
Matsuyama emphasized that his primary focus remains on playing golf, staying in touch with his coach, and making the best of the current situation. He acknowledged the similarities between Tabuchi’s first round and when Hayafuji first started as his caddie, showcasing their ability to adapt and work together effectively. Despite the unexpected circumstances, Matsuyama’s performance on the course remained steady and promising.
As the 8th-ranked player in the FedEx Cup standings, Matsuyama is assured a spot at the Tour Championship finale in East Lake, where the FedEx Cup champion will be crowned. The $25m bonus prize adds to the excitement of the tournament, providing an additional incentive for players to perform at their best. Matsuyama’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity exemplify his professionalism and dedication to the sport.
