New Caddie, Same old Hideki Matsuyama

**Hideki Matsuyama Overcomes Setbacks to Start Strong in FedEx Cup Playoffs**

Hideki Matsuyama faced unexpected challenges leading up to the FedEx Cup playoffs, losing his wallet, his caddie, and his coach after a bag containing their passports was stolen in London. Despite these distractions, the Japanese golf star remained unfazed, delivering a solid performance with a 65 on Thursday at the TPC Southwind during the start of the PGA Tour’s postseason.

The incident occurred during a stopover in London after Matsuyama had competed in Paris. While dining with his caddie, Shota Hayato, and his swing coach, Mikihito Kuromiya, the bag containing important items, including Matsuyama’s wallet and the passports of both Hayato and Kuromiya, was stolen. Fortunately, Matsuyama had left his passport and his Olympic bronze medal in his hotel room, sparing him further complications.

“It was an unfortunate situation,” Matsuyama reflected. “Luckily, I only lost my wallet, but Shota, my caddie, and the coach, lost their passports, and we’re trying hard now to get their visas back in line. And, hopefully, we can join as a team as soon as possible.”

With his usual caddie unable to work, Matsuyama enlisted the help of Taiga Tabuchi, who had recently been caddying on the Japan LPGA and had worked with Ryo Hisatsune on the PGA Tour earlier this year. Despite the change in his team, Matsuyama remained focused and performed well on the course. After an early bogey on the par-5 third hole, he quickly recovered, recording four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the back nine to finish with a 65.

“My job is the same. It’s just play golf,” Matsuyama stated confidently. “I talk to my coach every night on the phone. I’ve got a great caddie — Taiga did a great job today. So we’ll just see how it goes.”

As the 2021 Masters champion, Matsuyama has been steadily building momentum in recent weeks, and his strong start in the FedEx Cup playoffs demonstrates his resilience. Hayato is expected to rejoin the team for the Tour Championship, with Matsuyama currently ranked No. 8 in the FedEx Cup standings, ensuring his place in the tournament.