Hideki Matsuyama in Contention at 2025 Masters After Strong Second Round

Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama is once again making headlines at Augusta National, as the Japanese star delivered a resilient and technically sound performance in the second round of the 2025 Masters Tournament. With a green jacket already in his collection from 2021, Matsuyama is now firmly in contention for a second title, demonstrating poise and precision on one of golf’s most iconic stages.

After a slightly rocky start with a 1-over-par 73 in Thursday’s opening round, Matsuyama responded with a stunning 4-under-par 68 on Friday. His two-day total of 141 (-3) catapulted him into a tie for 13th place, just five shots back from tournament leader Justin Rose, who stands at 136 (-8). With two rounds remaining, the leaderboard remains tightly packed, and Matsuyama is well within striking distance.

What stood out most in his second round was his elite ball-striking. Matsuyama hit an impressive 86% of greens in regulation and found 82% of fairways, both critical stats at a course that punishes poor accuracy. These numbers echo the dominant form he showed during his 2021 Masters triumph, where he became the first Japanese male golfer to win a major championship.

Matsuyama’s strong showing at Augusta is part of a spectacular 2025 season. Back in January, he made history at The Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii, where he shattered the PGA Tour scoring record in relation to par. His 35-under-par 257 over four rounds stunned the golfing world and reasserted his position among the sport’s elite competitors.

Beyond his performance stats, Matsuyama’s calm demeanor and sharp focus have been evident throughout the tournament. Known for his quiet, methodical approach, he has built a loyal international fan base and continues to carry the hopes of millions of Japanese golf fans who still celebrate his 2021 Masters victory as a historic moment for the sport.

With the weekend approaching and pressure mounting, all eyes will be on Matsuyama to see if he can mount a final charge toward another green jacket. Given his current form, experience at Augusta, and recent track record, few would be surprised to see him in serious contention come Sunday afternoon.