The Masters will be front and center next week, which also means that Hideki Matsuyama is going to hear his name get even more talked about as the event in Augusta nears. It's also a good time to reminisce about the respectful gesture of his caddie, Shota Hayafuji, at the end of the 2021 Masters.

After Matsuyama ensured his win in that year's edition of the Masters, Hayafuji removed his hat and bowed beside the 18th hole — a touching show of respect that was instantly recognized by the internet.

Matsuyama recently spoke about it and was expectedly proud of what Hayafuji did.

Via Martin Dempster of The Scotsman:

“I didn't see it in person, but I did see it on TV, and I thought it was something very special,” said Matsuyama, recalling the marvellous gesture as he prepared for his Green Jacket defence in the event’s 86th edition.

“I'm glad that Shota did it,” he added. “It's a sign of respect, not only to the Masters tournament but Augusta National. It was something that was good. I never really thought it would receive the attention that it has generated.”

The 30-year-old Matsuyama will look to defend his Masters and add another Green Jacket to his collection next week, though his participation appears to be in jeopardy after withdrawing from the ongoing Valero Texas Open due to a neck issue.