By Joel Beall
I like to think we live in the golden age of journalism. The fourth estate has toppled dictatorships, exposed corruption, given the silent a voice and united masses. For all the cries of “FAKE NEWS,” the power of the pen has never been mightier.

Except, apparently, when it comes to golf.

Let’s rewind the clock back to 2017, when Hideki Matsuyama announced he and his wife had just welcomed their first born. A move that caught some by surprise, for one chief reason: Most didn’t know Matsuyama was married.

Speaking at the Northern Trust in 2017, the Japanese star had a perfectly good reason for why his marriage was a secret.

“No one really asked me if I was married, so I didn’t have to answer that question,” Matsuyama said. “But I felt that after the PGA would be a good time, because our baby is born and I thought that would be a good time to let everyone know.”

Woodward and Bernstein, we are not.

We know Matsuyama enjoys remaining private and out of the spotlight, commenting on Saturday at Augusta National that he didn’t mind the Japanese throngs of reporters not following his every move on the PGA Tour amidst the pandemic.

Perhaps we’ll learn a little more about Matsuyama’s life off the course, including his wife, Mei, and daughter, Kanna, if wins this Masters.

“Of course, happy about the family,” he replied. “But golf is golf. Once we get on the golf course, that’s what I’m thinking about. “

MORE MASTERS 2021 STORIES FROM GOLF DIGEST:
The clubs Hideki Matsuyama used to win at Augusta National
Hideki Matsuyama’s caddie found a touching way to celebrate their win on the 18th green
You just won the Masters. Here’s what happens next
A comprehensive history of every change made to Augusta National Golf Club
Green jacket and gold medal? Why Hideki Matsuyama should be the Tokyo Olympics favourite
Hideki Matsuyama’s pause might be pretty, but here’s why it might not be for you

The post Hideki Matsuyama has a perfectly good reason for why his marriage was a secret appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.