Opinion | Hideki Matsuyama’s triumph in Hawaii can herald start of golden age for Asian golf on PGA Tour

When Hideki Matsuyama thumped a magnificent 3-wood approach from 276 yards and landed his ball inside three feet of the flag on his way to equalling a record that has stood for more than a decade, KJ Choi was the least surprised to see that moment of magic.

Choi, arguably the greatest golf export from South Korea, has proudly held the record of most PGA Tour victories by an Asian golfer with his haul of eight titles since 2011, and he was beaming with pride to see Matsuyama match his collection after winning the Sony Open this month.

The Korean legend was nearly 41 years of age when he claimed his eighth and final PGA Tour title at the 2011 Players Championship and has no doubts that Matsuyama, who turns 30 next month, will go on to set a new and much higher benchmark for other Asians to chase and emulate in years to come.

Choi met Matsuyama for the first time about 10 years ago and remembers being impressed by the young man’s attitude towards the game and passion in wanting to become the best. He said Matsuyama was “unique” and possessed “special golf skills”.

“When I first met Hideki, he was about 19 or 20 years old. I thought he had the passion from a young age,” Chois said. “That’s the thing I remember about him. He is very calm and takes control of himself. He has lots of passion in golf and I said to myself he has a future in the game.

“He had a special golfing skill and was different from others. He had techniques which was unique. The flexibility and speed was great and I think he will improve more from now onwards.”

Matsuyama’s triumph eight days go was his third win in the space of nine months. He trailed by five with nine to play but chipped into Russell Henley’s lead with four clutch birdies before delivering the sucker punch in a playoff with the stunning 3-wood shot.