Hideki Matsuyama will become the first Japanese amateur to play at the Masters after the 18-year-old clinched a five-shot victory at the Asian Amateur Championship.
Holding a three-stroke overnight lead, Matsuyama carded a four-under 67 at Kasumigaseki CC in Saitama, Japan, to book his ticket to Augusta next year as well as a place in international final qualifying for the 2011 Open at Royal St George's.
''I'm very, very happy. I was under par for all four days and now I'm in the Masters, so that's very exciting,'' said Matsuyama.
''I was extremely pleased to keep the bogeys off my card today; it's harder to not make mistakes than to make birdies.''
The highlight of Matsuyama's final round was a birdie at the 14th when he hit his second shot from deep in the trees to eight feet from the pin.
''I had made two birdies on the 14th over the previous few days, so I was confident,'' he added.
''My caddie and I picked out the pathway and I decided to go for it. I saw Phil Mickelson hit a great shot from in the trees at Augusta this year which gave me goose bumps. I cannot play a shot as good as that, but I was pleased that mine was similar.''
Tarquin Macmanus finished second on 10 under par after carding a 69, which also earned the Australian an Open qualifying spot.
''I played well out there, gave it everything I had and just got beaten. He played some amazing golf and I just couldn't quite match it,'' said the 21-year-old University of Arizona senior.
