The Masters: Ryo Hisatsune hails Augusta National invite as 'dream come true'

Ryo Hisatsune says a “dream has come true” after receiving a special invitation to compete at the Masters Tournament in April.

The Japanese will make his Major Championship debut at Augusta National as his remarkable rise to prominence shows no sign of stopping.

After winning three titles on the Japan Challenge Tour in his first year as a professional, he earned his DP World Tour card through Qualifying School at the end of 2022 and later became only the third Japanese winner with victory at the Cazoo Open de France last year.

He recorded a further seven top ten finishes as he finished his debut campaign in 17th position on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, securing dual membership status with the PGA TOUR for the 2024 season in the process. 

Hisatsune, 21, will join countryman Hideki Matsuyama, who won the Green Jacket in 2021, in the field for the first men’s Major of the year.

“Yesterday, I got a phone call and I was like wondering, 'What is this number?'" he said in an interview with the PGA TOUR on Wednesday.

"It was amazing the call came from Augusta National, who said they were making this big announcement for me. I was like so excited. I was in my room and I jumped up. I was shaking. I was so surprised that I was speechless.

“Hideki has won the title, and I really wanted to play in the Masters, too. It’s like my dream has come true.”

As a result of his fine debut season on the DP World Tour last year, he was voted Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, becoming the first Japanese player to hold the accolade.

He has made four starts on the PGA TOUR so far this season, with a best finish of T11 at The American Express in January.

Hisatsune added: “This (Masters) is the tournament I’ve wanted to play the most, and I’m extremely honored to have received the special exemption from the Masters.

“I’m having trouble controlling my excitement. I used to watch the Masters every year, and I was determined to appear at the event.

“I always used the final-round broadcast as a motivation. I’m really happy I will get to play there this year.”

World Number 78 Hisatsune is excited at the prospect of playing alongside Major champion Matsuyama, having watched the nine-time PGA TOUR winner become the first Japanese winner of the Masters on TV three years ago.

"I woke up at 3 a.m. to watch and then Hideki won," he added. "I was so excited and I was moved. Now, I get a chance to compete on the same stage.

“It’s truly a dream stage. I’ve heard it’s a course with a lot of ups and downs and steep slopes, and I’m looking forward to tapping on the knowledge of my seniors and enjoying the special week with my team.”

Fellow DP World Tour winners Thorbjørn Olesen of Denmark and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann also received special invitations from Augusta National to feature in the 88th edition of the prestigious event, held from April 11-14.