Hideki Matsuyama is one of the most famous golfers in the world, especially in Asia. He has played – and won – on some of the biggest stages in the world, including his one major win at the 2021 Masters.
Yet even he can still get nervous playing golf. Just maybe not where you would expect him to.
Matsuyama is one of 72 golfers in the field at this week's 2025 Baycurrent Classic in Japan, the PGA Tour's lone stop in Asia. It's the third event of seven in the FedEx Cup Fall, and no golfers will be more popular than the Japanese superstar at Yokohama Country Club. The galleries following him will be in the hundreds, if not thousands, over four days at the former Zozo Championship, a tournament he won in 2021.
But that won't bug him. On Tuesday during his pre-tournament press conference, the world No. 17 admitted TGL, which announced its schedule for the second season of competition on Monday, was different and out of his routine.
"I just played twice in TGL last season and the environment and atmosphere are a little bit different from what I do, so I got a little bit nervous," Matsuyama said. "But I have to get ready, I have to be ready to play well next season."
Matsuyama plays for Boston Common, which also features Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley. Last year, the team didn't win any of its five matches. While that streak is unlikely to extend much longer in Year No. 2, Matsuyama is looking forward to his week in Japan and his next time playing in the indoor simulator league.
"I'm happy that the TGL games are broadcast in Japan, but unfortunately Boston Common Golf team didn't win last season so hopefully I can get some more wins next season," he said.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Hideki Matsuyama says he 'got a little bit nervous' during TGL season
