A shocking incident has cast a shadow over the FedEx St. Jude Championship, leaving one of golf’s top players reeling. Hideki Matsuyama, a strong contender for the $20 million FedEx Cup playoff, has faced an unexpected blow that now threatens his preparations for the high-stakes tournament. What happened was not a swing malfunction or a training mishap. It was something far more unexpected. 

In a daylight robbery, thieves in London stole the valuable items, including Matsuyama’s wallet and, more crucially, the passports of his caddie and coach. The stolen passports have forced Matsuyama’s trusted caddie, Shota Hayato, and coach Mikihito Kuromiya to return to Japan, leaving him without his usual support team just one day before the tournament.

The result is a crucial adjustment that may impact Matsuyama’s chances of success. His caddie, a vital part of his team, won’t be able to carry his bag—at least not yet. The unfortunate incident occurred during a stopover in London, where Matsuyama and his team were en route to Memphis.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for Matsuyama and his team as they scramble to rectify the situation. Consequently, a panic-stricken effort is underway to reissue the passports and visas for Hayato and Kuromiya. Unfortunately, the earliest they can rejoin Matsuyama in the US is just before the Tour Championship, a two-week wait that may prove costly in the FedEx Cup playoff race. 

On a positive note, he sighed in relief that his passport and Olympic bronze medal were not among the stolen items. However, this small blessing was tempered by the reality of the situation. As per Golf Digest Japan, Matsuyama acknowledged, “There is a chance that (the two) will make it in time, but we have to go into the tournament thinking that the chances are close to zero.” 

Now, as things stand, his regular looper won’t be there to guide him on those greens. So, will Matsuyama now have to navigate the $20 million FedEx Cup playoff without his trusted caddie and coach?

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Hideki Matsuyama found a replacement caddie for the FedEx Cup playoffs

Matsuyama has found a lifeline in Tabuchi Taiga, a seasoned caddie who backs up his fellow Japanese player, Hisatsugu Ryo. His relief was palpable as he expressed his gratitude: “I’m glad he accepted. He’s worked with Hisatsugu this year, so I think he knows the ropes, and he can speak English, so I can rely on him.” 

But beneath the surface, Matsuyama sees this unexpected twist as an opportunity to tap into his inner strength since he will not be having a coach to guide him in the Playoffs. “I’m going to play golf as if I went back to the way I was before I got a coach,” he said with a hint of determination. The nine-time PGA Tour champion added, “There’s an atmosphere where all the responsibility is on me. That’s something I’m looking forward to for the first time in a while. I want to convey to him (Caddie Tabuchi) what I’ve cultivated on the course with Shota Hayato.” 

What’s your take on the brazen robbery that left Matsuyama without his trusted looper? Let us know in the comments section below!