HIDECKI MATSUYAMA IS THE NEW MASTERS CHAMPION.
Shooting a 1-over 73 in the final round to win by one stroke, Matsuyama is the first player from Japan to earn a Green Jacket, as well as the first to claim any major championship.
Afterwards Matsuyama acknowledged his "pioneer" role and hopes "many more will follow."
He said, "It's thrilling to think there are a lot of youngsters in Japan watching today. Hopefully, in five, 10 years, when they get a little older, some of them will be competing on the world stage."
The Japanese star began the day with a 4-shot lead after firing a 65 in a third round disrupted by a weather delay.