Hideki Matsuyama overcame a potentially ruinous moment to become the first Japanese man to win a Major with a one-shot Masters victory over Will Zalatoris at Augusta National on Sunday.

His one-over-73 final round were actually a lot better than they’ll look in the history books. He was more protective than proactive at the end, bogeying three of the last four holes to avoid even bigger numbers.

But from the restart of Saturday’s third round — after an hour-plus rain delay — until those closing holes on Sunday, Matsuyama was nearly flawless.

There are already calls for Japan’s golf superstar to be given the honour of lighting the Olympic Games cauldron during the opening ceremony, although the often-reticent Matsuyama responded in typical fashion: “It would be quite an honour. But I’m not sure about my schedule. If the schedules worked out and I am in Japan when that happens and they ask me, what an honour that would be.

“If I am in the team, and maybe it looks like I will be, I’ll do my best.”

He became Asia’s second male golfer to win a Major after YE Yang’s triumph in the 2009 PGA Championship.

Tiger Woods, who is recuperating from injuries, tweeted: “Making Japan proud Hideki. Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment for you and your country.”

As a child, Matsuyama idolised Woods and watched the American legend win the 1997 Masters on TV. “Hopefully I’ll be a pioneer in this (winning the Masters) and many other Japanese will follow. I’m glad to be able to open the floodgates,” said Matsuyama.

Katsunobu Kato, Japan’s top government spokesman, said Matsuyama’s “historic” win came as another ray of hope during the pandemic.

He pointed to Naomi Osaka’s win at the Australian Open and Shohei Ohtani’s performance this week in Major League Baseball as further evidence of Japan’s sporting success.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga called Matsuyama’s win “wonderful” and a source of pride and courage for the Japanese people during the difficulties posed by the pandemic.