Matsuyama leads Asian hopes

WHEN Rolex Testimonee Hideki Matsuyama made his move with a four-under 68 in the second round at the recent PGA Championship, he raised hopes of a top-three finish.

Lying two shots behind overnight leaders Phil Mickelson and Louis Oosthuizen, his fans were hoping for a grandstand weekend-showing to see him strike it big.

After all, he became the second Asian to win a golf Major when he claimed the U.S. Masters in April.

The Japanese megastar finished tied-23rd at the PGA event - seven shots behind winner Mickelson at the Ocean course at Kiawah Island - but his fans maintain belief that the prolific golfer could raise his game for the U.S. Open, starting on June 17 at Torrey Pines, because of his all-round ability and mental toughness.

Matsuyama is one of four Asian golfers, joining fellow Rolex Testimonee Sung Jae Im, Kim Si Woo and Lee Kyoung Hoon (all from South Korea) for the third Major of the year.

No Asian has won the U.S. Open, the best-ever finish of runner-up coming from Isao Aoki (1980), Chen Tze Chung (1985) and Matsuyama (2017).