Shota Hayafuji Bows In Respect After Matsuyama’s Historic Master’s Win, Goes Viral

Following Hideki Matsuyama‘s historic Master’s win on Sunday, his caddie made a gesture that went viral instantly.

It’s a caddie tradition for the tournament winner’s caddie to remove the flag from the flagstick on the 18th green. Matsuyama’s caddie, Shota Hayafuji, did that after his boss and friend won the Master’s tournament on Sunday.

The two had a wholesome exchange following Matsuyama’s win. “When I saw my caddy and hugged him… I was happy for him because it was his first victory on the bag,” Matsuyama said in his post-game conference.

Matsuyama made history by becoming the first Japanese man to win a major and the first Asian  golfer to win the Master’s.

The tradition allows for a caddie to keep a sentimental keepsake for them. In this case, Hayafuji did something different when he removed the flag from the flagstick. After Hayafuji removed the flag, he returned the flagstick and placed it down. Once the flagstick was placed down, Hayafuji removed his cap and bowed towards the course.

Mission accomplished.

So much respect for Augusta. pic.twitter.com/lRyhMtNOlf

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 11, 2021

The bow captivated many fans and spectators alike, and they took to Twitter to appreciate the gesture.

“I think I’ve watched Hideki’s caddie bow toward the course 50 times now, and I can’t not get chills,” CBS golf writer Kyle Porter wrote. “What an understated, awesome moment.”

I think I’ve watched Hideki’s caddie bow toward the course 50 times now and I can’t not get chills. What an understated, awesome moment.

— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) April 12, 2021

“This is awesome, Matsuyama’s caddie Shota bowing to the course after winning,” wrote George Savaricas. 

This is awesome, Matsuyama’s caddie Shota bowing to the course after winning @TheMasters pic.twitter.com/xEDhcQfUWM

— George Savaricas (@GeorgeSavaricas) April 11, 2021