HIDEKI MATSUYAMA became the first ever male Japanese golfer to win a major after his huge Masters triumph in 2021.
The history maker will be looking for his second Green Jacket this weekend.
ReutersHideki Matsuyama got married in January 2017 and had a baby six months later to the surprise of the golfing world[/caption]
Matsuyama stunned reporters in 2017 when he suddenly announced not only was he married in a secret wedding – but his wife had given birth to their first child.
He was enjoying a fine season – which included tied-second at the US Open and winning the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
That attracted more media attention and in August 2017, Matsuyama revealed he had tied the knot seven months earlier in the January.
Not only that, but he and wife Mei welcomed daughter Kanna later in July.
The family keep a low profile away from the golfing world.
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But the star was not actively keeping his personal life private from the watching world – he simply wasn’t asked.
Speaking at the 2017 Northern Trust Open, the 14-time pro winner said: “No one really asked me if I was married, so I didn’t have to answer that question.
“But I felt that after the PGA would be a good time, because our baby is born and I thought that would be a good time to let everyone know.”
ReutersHideki Matsuyama was in stunning form at Augusta National last year[/caption]
His form dipped slightly around the time of Kanna’s birth – but he put to bed any suggestions he struggled to keep his home and work life separate.
As reported by Golf Monthly, he added: “Golf is golf. Once we get on the golf course, that’s what I’m thinking about.”
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