Masters debutant Higa gets set to tee off at Augusta National 

While it may seem unrealistic to dream about winning Masters Tournament on his debut, it does not hinder Kazuki Higa from aiming high when the first major championship of the year gets underway at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday.

Like many other aspiring Japanese golfers back home, the 27-year-old Higa has been inspired by compatriot Hideki Matsuyama's historic feat of being the first-ever Japanese to be crowned the Masters champion when the latter emerged triumphant in 2021.

Buoyed by a couple of invaluable practice sessions with Matsuyama, Higa will be out to chart his own path whilst flying the JGTO flag high this week.

"I watched Matsuyama's victory on TV, it was a momentous day which encouraged all Japanese golfers including myself," said Higa.

"He has set a benchmark and legacy for the players from many generations to come to try to emulate him."

Higa, who will be teeing off along with 2017 winner Sergio Garcia of Spain and American Keith Mitchell, said that his main goal will be to make the cut first.

In his major championship debut at The 150th Open at St Andrews last year, he failed to advance to the weekend.

"I can't wait to get cracking at the Augusta National," said Higa, who made the 88-man field this week as one of the two special invitees besides amateur star Gordon Sargent.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how well I can execute the preparations I made over the last few days.

"I have sought advice from both Matsuyama and (Shingo) Katayama (who finished outright fourth in 2009) on the way they prepare themselves and approach the course.

"The goal is to clear the 36-hole cut first and if I can make it to the weekend, then I want to try to finish in a respectable position which will be seen around the world."

The spotlight will certainly be on Matsuyama again as fans are eager to see if he could repeat the splendid feat once again.

His victory at Augusta National two years ago made him the second man from Asia after South Korea’s Yang Yong-eun (2009 PGA Championship) to win a major title.

"I’m happy my win in 2021 has shown that Asian players can win Majors. I’ve inspired them and I’m pleased with that,” said world No. 21 Matsuyama, ahead of his 12th Masters appearance.

There are a total of six Asian players in action this week apart from Matsuyama and Higa.

The four others are South Korean quartet comprising Im Sung-jae, the runner-up in 2020, Tom Kim, Kim Si-woo and Lee Kyoung-hoon.

Kim will be one of those to look out for.

The 20-year-old has been making waves on the PGA Tour of late where he became the first player since Tiger Woods in 1996 to capture multiple wins on the PGA Tour before turning 21.

"Hopefully, whether it’s me or any Asian golfer, we hope to have a chance to win on Sunday and inspire the generations coming up," said Kim.

"In the history of major championships, we haven’t had many Asian golfers win. So, for one of us to win the Masters again, it’s going to be a lot more impactful."

Ends.