Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese-born player to win the Masters and the countries first major golf win. While Matsuyama was basking in the glory after sinking his final putt, his caddie put the flag back in the hole and gave a bow to the fans.

Shota Hayafuji, did that after Matsuyama won the Masters on Sunday. This led to a viral moment that the sports world took notice of. Especially Golden State Warriors star and scratch golfer Stephen Curry.

 

It's a sentimental keepsake for a caddie, but Hayafuji displayed his own emotion as he returned the flagstick to the hole. He removed his hat and, in a simple show of respect, bowed to the course.

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The Masters are the pinnacle of golf majors and this week at Augusta National was the first time since 2019 when there were fans in attendance at a major golf tournament.

Hideki Matsuyama finished one stroke ahead of American rookie Will Zalatoris to win the Masters. Along with winning the green jacket, Hideki Matsuyama took home a winnings purse of $2.7 Million dollars. Caddies typically earn between five to ten percent of the golfer’s winnings depending on where they finish on the leaderboard, so for Hayafuji, there was even more reason for the bow. Hayafuji is projected to earn $207,000 following Matsuyama's win.