Golfer Hideki Matsuyama has been competing on the world stage as a Toyota athlete for more than a decade. He sat down with Toyota Times Sports for our first-ever interview, sharing his path to success.
Since signing with Lexus in December 2013, professional golfer Hideki Matsuyama has spent more than a decade competing on the world stage.
Matsuyama is keen to share this experience with junior generations of golfers who will shape the sport’s future. As part of this effort, he has been hosting “Play Golf with Hideki Matsuyama” lesson events since 2023.
Morizo’s message: "Let's take on the world together."
Morita
It was cold out there today. How was the lesson?
Matsuyama
Seeing the young talent on display was very inspiring. I had fun.
Morita
I believe you met Morizo (Chairman Toyoda) recently. What did you talk about?
Matsuyama
Unfortunately, I can't reveal details (laughs).
Morita
When you signed with Lexus, I believe Morizo's message was: "Let's take on the world together." Do you remember how you felt then?
Matsuyama
To be honest, at the time I wondered whether I was up to the task. But being given such a great honor, I was really determined to do my best.
Morita
More than 10 years have passed since, with Morizo serving as Toyota's president and chairman, and yourself competing on the world stage. How do you feel looking back on this past decade?
Matsuyama
I am very grateful for the warm support (from Chairman Toyoda), both in good times and bad.
I was thrilled that this culminated in a major win at the Masters.
When I met Chairman Toyoda last time, we spoke about me taking all four major titles.
He believes that I can eclipse the achievements of this past decade, and I want to give it my best.
What it means to compete on the world stage
Matsuyama has spent more than a decade competing around the world. He spoke about the gap between the future he had envisioned and reality, as well as the demands of representing Japan.
Morita
Has competing on the world stage turned out different from what you imagined 10 years ago?
Matsuyama
Because the first few years went so well, I figured I would be in an even better position after 10 years. At the same time, when we first said, “let’s do this together,” I also worried whether I could hold up my end. I think I've worked hard these 10 years, and it has motivated me to work even harder.
Morita
What was it like for you to take on the world's best?
Matsuyama
At my first Masters, I had a strong sense of this being a new stage. It didn't feel like I was taking on the world, but looking back I think that's what it was.
I'm really glad that playing in the Masters gave me that feeling.
Morita
Did you have a strong sense of being a Japanese player competing on the world stage, or was that not a factor?
Matsuyama
I was very conscious of competing as a Japanese golfer. Yet I also felt that such a mindset wouldn't help me win. It was complicated.
But as someone representing Japan on the PGA Tour, I feel I have to get past that hurdle.
Morita
Did the Masters victory teach you what it takes, not just to compete, but to win on the world stage?
Matsuyama
I don't have the answer, but I think it comes down to preparation, confidence, and pride.
Regardless of the result, I believe putting 100% into your preparation is crucial.
Instead of wishing you had done this or that differently, be proud of what you did and try again. I think it's important to channel that feeling into results quickly.