Hisatsune’s meteoric rise set to continue at Augusta National

What difference can 17 months make for Ryo Hisatsune?

Just over a year ago, the Okayama-born Hisatsune secured his DP World Tour card through Qualifying School in November 2022.

Fast forward to April 2024, the 21-year-old is poised for the most significant start of his career yet at the Masters Tournament, commencing at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday.

Hisatsune was among the trio who received a special invitation from Augusta National to participate in the first major championship of the year, alongside Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen and Joaquin Niemann of Chile.

While it might seem ambitious to imagine conquering the Masters Tournament in his major championship debut, expect Hisatsune, who's a three-time ABEMA Tour winner, to leave a significant mark, as he is already doing at the moment.

Hisatsune's ability to adapt quickly to new environment was evident in his swift impact during a highly successful rookie campaign in the 2022-23 DP World Tour season.

Hisatsune remarkably clinched victory at the French Open and notched seven other top-10 finishes, culminating in a 17th position on the season-long Race to Dubai standings.

Hisatsune rightfully earned the title of DP World Tour Rookie of the Year, marking him as the first Japanese golfer to achieve such recognition.

This accomplishment also places him among the illustrious ranks of players like Nick Faldo, Sergio Garcia, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm.

Furthermore, he secured dual membership status with the PGA Tour for the 2024 season, which was an additional highlight for him.

Hisatsune seems to be transitioning well to the American golf scene. With 10 starts already, his standout performance was a tied-11th finish at The American Express.  Like many aspiring Japanese golfers, Hisasutne draws inspiration from compatriot Hideki Matsuyama's historic triumph in 2021.

Matsuyama's groundbreaking victory as the first-ever Japanese Masters champion serves as a beacon of motivation for Higa and others like him striving to make their mark in the world of golf.

"I was watching it (the 2021 edition) on TV and in Japan, it was very early in the morning," said Hisatsune in an interview with PGA Tour recently.

"I woke up at 3 a.m. to watch and then Hideki won. I was so excited and I was moved. Now, I get a chance to compete on the same stage."

All eyes will undoubtedly be on Matsuyama once more as fans eagerly anticipate whether he can replicate his magnificent feat once again.

His triumph at Augusta National three years ago not only secured him the prestigious title but also made him the second man from Asia, following South Korea’s Yang Yong-eun (2009 PGA Championship), to clinch a major title.

After grappling with a string of injuries over the past two years, Matsuyama demonstrated that he has regained the form necessary to vie for the coveted Green Jacket once more.

As recently as February, Matsuyama clinched the title of The Genesis Invitational champion, a tournament esteemed as a Signature Event on the PGA Tour.

This victory marked his ninth triumph on the PGA Tour, surpassing the record previously shared with K.J. Choi of South Korea for the most wins by an Asian-born player.

“It never gets old coming back here. I’m grateful to the members of Augusta National Golf Club for what they have done, not only for me, but for golf in Asia.

“To be able to win this tournament was a thrill beyond thrills. I’m preparing hard to be able to do that again,” said Matsuyama, ahead of this week’s Masters tournament, which will be the 88th in its history.

Ends.