Amateur golfer Hiroshi Tai becomes the first Singaporean to tee off at the US Masters in April 2025, and he hopes to “not be in awe” of professional players such as Scottie Scheffler and Hideki Matsuyama. 

Tai said: “Being from Asia, Hideki Matsuyama is a big role model for how he carries himself on and off the golf course… Scottie Scheffler has been playing very well, and he is mentally very strong… I hope not to be in awe of them when we meet.” 

After winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship in May, young Tai was invited to play in the Masters, which is the most competitive of the four majors. This historic triumph elevated the young athlete to the same level as  former NCAA champions Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods.

Moreover, with an admission to this year’s US Open at Pinehurst, he also got his first taste of a major. However, despite strong rounds of 75 and 74, he missed the cut by four shots.

“I just want to play to the best of my abilities and finish as high as possible… But I’m sure I’ll be looking around and enjoying the experience,” he admitted.

The Singapore Golf Association saw Tai’s abilities and included him in the national team. He competed for Singapore in significant amateur competitions, such as the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and the World Amateur Team Championship, where he placed 14th in 2019.

 

Source: CNA