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  • Hideki Matsuyama WITB (5th January 2025) - What's In The Bag? The Sentry @ Kapalua Plantation Course

Hideki Matsuyama WITB (5th January 2025) - What's In The Bag? The Sentry @ Kapalua Plantation Course

Matsuyama’s 2025 setup reflects his obsessive pursuit of perfection. His bag is a blend of old favorites and carefully selected upgrades, emphasizing control and versatility.

January 05, 2025

Who is Hideki Matsuyama and witb for 2025?

Hideki Matsuyama isn’t just Japan’s golfing hero—he’s the king of clutch, the emperor of irons, and a man who can putt under pressure like it’s a Sunday stroll. Born on February 25, 1992, in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture (yes, he shares his name with his birthplace, which feels like destiny), Hideki has been carrying Japan’s golfing hopes since he turned professional in 2013.

Matsuyama is most famous for winning the 2021 Masters, becoming the first Japanese player to don the Green Jacket. The image of him respectfully bowing to Augusta’s clubhouse as he claimed victory is etched into golf history. But don’t be fooled by his quiet demeanor—behind the calm exterior is a stone-cold competitor who has made his mark globally.

Known for his deliberate backswing and laser-like iron play, Matsuyama has racked up eight PGA Tour wins, eight Japan Golf Tour victories, and countless top-10 finishes in major championships. His consistency and meticulous approach to the game have earned him the respect of players worldwide.

And here’s the edgy bit: Hideki’s game is a puzzle for analysts. His ball striking? Elite. His short game? A mix of brilliance and heartbreak. His putting? Let’s just say it’s a bit like karaoke—some days, he’s pitch-perfect; other days, it’s a struggle. But whether he’s draining 30-footers or battling the yips, Matsuyama’s steely determination makes him impossible to count out.

Off the course, Hideki keeps his private life under wraps. He shocked the world in 2017 by casually revealing he was married and had a child, proving once again that he plays his cards close to the chest.

Hideki Matsuyama’s Golf Bag and Equipment

Matsuyama’s 2025 setup reflects his obsessive pursuit of perfection. His bag is a blend of old favorites and carefully selected upgrades, emphasizing control and versatility.

Driver: Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS 9.5°, Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8TX shaft

Matsuyama has stuck with the Srixon ZX5 Mk II LS driver, valuing its low spin and exceptional workability. Paired with the Graphite Design Tour AD DI 8TX shaft, it offers a perfect balance of stability and speed, enabling him to shape shots and maximize distance with precision.

3 Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 15°, Graphite Design Tour AD DI 9TX shaft

The TaylorMade Qi10 is a new addition for 2025, replacing his trusty SIM. This fairway wood provides improved forgiveness without sacrificing the penetrating ball flight Matsuyama prefers. The Tour AD DI 9TX shaft delivers a heavier feel for better control on powerful swings.

5 Wood: Cobra King RadSpeed Tour 17.5°, Graphite Design Tour AD DI 10TX shaft

Another intriguing addition to his bag, the Cobra King RadSpeed Tour, offers versatility for longer approach shots and challenging lies. Its Graphite Design Tour AD DI 10TX shaft ensures stability and precision, even under pressure.

Irons: Srixon Z-Forged II (4-PW), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts

Matsuyama’s irons are the crown jewels of his bag. The Z-Forged II irons are pure blades, providing unmatched control and feel. Combined with the Tour Issue S400 shafts, this setup epitomizes his surgical approach to ball striking.

Wedges: Cleveland RTX 4 Forged Prototype 52° (10), 56° (08), 60° (08), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts

Matsuyama continues his long-standing relationship with Cleveland wedges. The RTX 4 Forged prototypes deliver exceptional spin and control, critical for his short-game wizardry.

Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport 2 GSS

Known for tinkering with his putters, Matsuyama’s choice of the Newport 2 GSS highlights his preference for a clean, classic design. This putter is all about feel, helping him navigate Augusta’s lightning-fast greens and beyond.

Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV

The Srixon Z-Star XV is designed for maximum distance and spin control, perfectly complementing Matsuyama’s precise ball-striking style.

Grips: Iomic X

True to his Japanese roots, Matsuyama uses Iomic X grips for their superior tackiness and durability, ensuring confidence in every swing.

Hideki Matsuyama’s Biography and Career Highlights

Matsuyama’s rise began early. As an amateur, he won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in 2010 and 2011, earning invitations to the Masters. In 2011, he became the first Japanese amateur to make the cut at Augusta.

Since turning professional, Matsuyama has become a global icon. His victories include two World Golf Championships, the Memorial Tournament, and of course, the 2021 Masters, where he held off a charging field to claim a historic victory.

At the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Matsuyama has often shown flashes of brilliance. His ability to navigate the challenging Kapalua Plantation Course with pinpoint irons and clutch putting has kept him in contention on multiple occasions.

What sets Matsuyama apart isn’t just his skill but his work ethic and humility. Whether he’s dominating in the U.S. or representing Japan at the Olympics, Matsuyama carries the weight of a nation with grace, making him one of the most respected figures in golf.

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