AUGUSTA, Ga. — On Thursday, April 10, 2025, the best golfers in the world teed off for the first round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. This year’s tournament is particularly noteworthy as it features several players of Asian descent who could make a serious run for the coveted green jacket.
Leading the charge is Collin Morikawa, a 28-year-old golfer of Japanese and Chinese descent, who is currently ranked fourth in the Official World Golf Ranking. Morikawa has made a name for himself over the past few years with three top-10 finishes at the Masters, including a tie for third last year. His impressive resume also includes victories at the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship.
However, Morikawa has been in the news for more than just his golf skills. Just days before the Masters, he faced criticism for his comments regarding media obligations after a disappointing finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he lost a three-shot lead. "I don’t owe anyone anything," Morikawa stated, defending his decision to skip post-tournament interviews. He later added, "I think everyone took it in a wrong direction," suggesting that he just needed space to process his emotions after the loss.
Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 2 in the world, came to Morikawa's defense, stating, "Every other athlete — whether it be in the NBA, NFL — they’re obligated to speak to you guys after a game. We’re not." This commentary highlights the ongoing debate about media obligations in professional golf.
As Morikawa took to the course for his first round, he expressed feeling somewhat out of place being the oldest in his group, which included 26-year-olds Min Woo Lee and Joaquin Niemann. Despite this, he described the experience as "great" and acknowledged the excitement of playing at Augusta.
Morikawa finished the first round at even par, a respectable score given the challenging conditions at Augusta. He remarked on his performance, saying, "I was kind of scrambling around a lot of the day... Just a couple bad putts and putting yourself in the wrong spots. It just kind of added up." He is determined to analyze his play and make the necessary adjustments for the remaining rounds.
Speaking of Min Woo Lee, the Australian golfer of South Korean descent is another player to watch. Ranked 23rd in the world, Lee is coming off a recent victory at the Houston Open, which could provide him with the momentum needed to excel at the Masters. Known for his powerful swing and unique connection to gamer culture, Lee has garnered a dedicated fanbase that cheers him on with phrases from popular video games.
Hideki Matsuyama, the first male Japanese golfer to win a major when he claimed the Masters title in 2021, is also a key figure in this year’s tournament. Matsuyama has consistently performed well at Augusta, finishing in the top-20 in eight of the last ten years. Following a successful 2024, where he won an Olympic bronze medal and two PGA Tour events, expectations are high for Matsuyama as he aims to reclaim his former glory.
Additionally, there are other players of Asian descent who could make a splash this weekend. Korean American Michael Kim is riding a wave of momentum with five top-15 finishes worldwide this year, while Indian American Akshay Batia tied for third at the Players Championship in March. Jason Day, whose mother is Filipino, is also seeking to win his first Masters, adding to the diverse representation in this prestigious tournament.
As the tournament progresses, the spotlight will remain on these Asian golfers, each with their own unique story and aspirations. The Masters is not just a test of skill, but also a platform for these athletes to showcase their talents on one of the biggest stages in golf.
With the first round now complete, fans are eagerly anticipating how the rest of the tournament will unfold. Morikawa, Matsuyama, Lee, and others will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and overcome challenges as they vie for the green jacket. As Morikawa aptly put it, "This course is tough. You feel drained every time you walk off of it." Yet, the excitement of the Masters is undeniable, and the coming days promise to deliver thrilling golf action.
