• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 31, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Matsuyama Won Much More Than the Masters

  • Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese man to win a major golf championship with his Masters victory on Sunday.
  • The win could net him hundreds of millions in endorsement money.
Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Hideki Matsuyama just won over $2 million in prize money, and could have hundreds of millions more coming in endorsements.

Matsuyama donned the green jacket after his victory at the Masters on Sunday, becoming the first Japanese man to win a golf major.

The win solidifies his rockstar status in Japan, and comes at an opportune time for the country’s golf industry: Interest in the sport surged during the pandemic, particularly among young people. 

Estimates of how much the victory will be worth for Matsuyama’s brand reach as high as $1 billion in endorsement money.

Matsuyama was already bringing in $8 million to $10 million in endorsements from his work with Lexus, golf-focused sports equipment brand Srixon, and financial holding company Nomura Securities, among others.

The PGA Tour had designs on growing its brand in Asia prior to the pandemic, with Matsuyama a key part of that push. 

The win is well-timed in another way. Tokyo will host the summer Olympics in just a few months, and Matsuyama could carry the Olympic flag in the green jacket.

Matsuyama joins Hisako Higuchi, who won the 1977 LPGA Championship, and Hinako Shibuno, winner of the 2019 Women’s British Open, as PGA champions from Japan.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium.

Shohei Ohtani Card Market Is Surging—With No Signs of Slowing

Cards have spiked hundreds of thousands of dollars from their initial value.
Aug 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Close up view of the ball and club of Scott Scheffler during the first round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament.

From Third Tier to $1M: Michael Brennan’s Surprise PGA Tour Win

The 23-year-old won his first professional start on the PGA Tour.
September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Sep 11, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) stands on the sidelines before a WNBA game against the New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena.

After ‘Mebounds’ and ‘Reesebounds,’ Angel Reese Trademarks Her Name

The Sky player has already trademarked “Reesebounds” and “Mebounds.”
May 1, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Floyd Mayweather (left) stares at Manny Pacquiao during weigh-ins for the upcoming boxing fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
October 29, 2025

Pacquiao Confirms Mayweather Fight Talks After Political Career Fizzles

Pacquiao and Mayweather last fought in May 2015.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

TNT Sports is going all-in on college athletics—bringing fans closer and giving brands a powerful new way to connect.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

TNT Sports is going all-in on college athletics—bringing fans closer and giving brands a powerful new way to connect.
Oct 26, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates a three-point shot in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Frost Bank Center.
October 27, 2025

NBA Betting Scandals Overshadow Wembanyama’s Superstar Leap

Wembanyama is following the path of Shohei Ohtani in MLB.
Terry Rozier
October 24, 2025

Terry Rozier Will Be Paid Full NBA Salary While on Leave

The Heat are scheduled to pay Rozier $26.6 million for this season. 
Oct 18, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) holds the MVP trophy after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in game five of the NLCS during the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium.
October 24, 2025

World Series Will Be First to Showcase Ohtani’s Two-Way Skills

The two-way superstar is slated to pitch in the World Series.
Malik Beasley
October 23, 2025

After NBA Gambling Arrests, Where Does Malik Beasley Stand?

Beasley was in line to receive a three-year deal from the Pistons.