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

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 11: Hideki Matsuyama of Japan celebrates as 2020 Masters champion Dustin Johnson of the United States places the green jacket on him after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 11, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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.

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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.

“Quite an image,” said Sean Zak.