Matsuyama signs off with a T38 as Scheffler reclaims Green Jacket

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Hideki Matsuyama concluded his 13th Masters Tournament campaign with a modest tied-38th finish, signing for a two-over-par 74 in the final round on Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club.

Heading into the final day seeking to improve his tied-28th overnight position, the 32-year-old managed only a birdie and three bogeys on his scorecard.

Matsuyama, who became the tournament's first Asian winner in 2021, wrapped up the tournament with a seven-over 295, marking his second-worst aggregate in the 12 occasions where he completed all 72 holes.

The only other time he fared worse was in 2012 when he carded a total of 297.

Matsuyama explained that he was struggling to sink his putts due to his inability to adapt to the tricky greens.

"The condition of the greens was slower than they appeared, and I couldn't adapt to it," lamented Matsuyama, who had registered eight top-20 finishes in the last nine outings before this year's edition.

"I ended up not fully understanding the green speed. It's crucial to be able to adapt to courses like this, so I'll continue to work hard and address that issue."

However, Matsuyama is still drawing some positives from this week and intends to build on them.

After all, he was flirting with a missed cut before advancing to the weekend, barely making it at tied-50th position.

"This week, in terms of distance, I felt that what I hadn't been able to do for the past two years is gradually coming back," he said.

"I aim to maintain this progress steadily and give my best for the remainder of the season."

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The 88th edition of the Masters Tournament was ruled by world number one Scottie Scheffler after he carded a 68 for 11-under overall to claim a dominant four-shot victory over Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg.

It was Scheffler's second time securing the Green Jacket in three years following his 2022 triumph.

The win saw him become the 18th player to win the Masters Tournament multiple times and the first to accomplish the feat since Bubba Watson in 2014.

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"It's hard to put into words how special this is. It's been a long week, a grind of a week," said Scheffler.

"The golf course was so challenging, and to be sitting here wearing this jacket again and getting to take it home is extremely special."