Japanese teen inspired to go for it

Hideki Matsuyama is still in college, but rest assured he is working toward a degree in all things Masters Tournament related.

The Japanese teen drew inspiration from a heroic shot by Phil Mickelson in the final round of 2010 to win the Asian Amateur Championship and earn a spot in this year's Masters.

Matsuyama had a comfortable lead in the final round last fall but pulled off a gutsy second shot from the woods on the 14th hole to set up a birdie.

"I had made two birdies on the 14th over the previous few days, so I was confident. My caddie and I picked out the pathway and I decided to go for it," Matsuyama said.

"I saw Phil Mickelson hit a great shot from in the trees at Augusta (last) year, which gave me goose bumps. I cannot play a shot as good as that, but I was pleased that mine was similar."

Matsuyama went on to record a five-shot win over Australia's Tarquin MacManus at Kasumigaseki Country Club near Tokyo.

Matsuyama will become the first Japanese amateur to play in the Masters, and he and MacManus earned spots in the international final qualifying for the British Open.

The Japanese golfer posted rounds of 68-69-65-67 in the second annual event, which featured a 118-man field from 27 Asia Pacific Golf Confederation countries.

The 2011 Asian Amateur Championship will be played on The Singapore Island Country Club's New Course on Sept. 29-Oct. 2.