‘Grinds His Tail Off’ – Will Zalatoris Hails the Work Ethic of Hideki Matsuyama

2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama is once again back in the United States. He had traveled to Japan to celebrate his victory and also had to quarantine himself for quite a bit. Matsuyama is back on the PGA tour and ready to compete at the AT&T Byron Nelson, and he’s earned massive acclaim from fellow tour pro, Will Zalatoris. 

Matsuyama won the 2021 Masters in emphatic fashion, while Zalatoris finished behind him. While everyone was celebrating Matsuyama’s historic achievement, a lot of them did not recognize 24-year-old Zalatoris’s feat. 

It was an entertaining watch as Will Zalatoris carded a 2-under 70 in the final round at Augusta National. However, it wasn’t enough for him to catch Matsuyama who was atop the leaderboard. These two players developed immense respect for each other after their duel at Augusta National, and they are both competing at the AT&T Byron Nelson this week. 

Will Zalatoris is inspired by Hideki Matsuyama

Will Zalatoris and Hideki Matsuyama are both a part of a featured group at AT&T Byron Nelson 2021. Zalatoris arrived at TPC Craig Ranch and spoke with the media on Tuesday, where he hailed up the work ethic of Matsuyama. 

“Yeah, the guy just absolutely grinds his tail off. He works so hard at it. The guy will be testing out every iron shaft or shaft you can think of, trying new heads, trying different putters. He’s a constant tinkerer, at least it seems like from afar,” Zalatoris mentioned. 

“It’s really admirable to see someone who is that passionate about excelling at this game. So, like I said, a guy who made history for his country, but there’s also nobody more worthy than him to go win that major. So it was a long time coming,” he added. 

It seems like there is a new friendship blossoming on the PGA Tour. Hideki Matsuyama is far more experienced than Will Zalatoris, but that doesn’t mean these two can’t develop a professional friendship. 

Hideki Matsuyama will tee off at the AT&T Byron Nelson after a one-month gap on the PGA Tour. He has admitted to have not practiced that much, so the Japanese player is certainly not a favorite to win at TPC Craig Ranch this year.

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