SINGAPORE: Amateur golfer Hiroshi Tai is set to make history as the first player from Singapore to tee off at the prestigious US Masters in April 2025.

With his golfing heroes, including Green Jacket champions Hideki Matsuyama and Scottie Scheffler, on his mind, the 22-year-old Tai aims to soak in the experience without feeling overwhelmed by their presence.

“Hideki Matsuyama is a significant role model for many of us in Asia, especially for how he conducts himself both on and off the golf course,” Tai said during a press event in his home city. “Scottie Scheffler has been playing exceptionally well lately, showcasing impressive mental fortitude. I sincerely hope not to be starstruck when I finally meet them.”

Tai's qualification for the Masters was secured through his remarkable victory at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship in May 2023.

This win not only catapulted him into the spotlight but also granted him an entry into the US Open this year at Pinehurst, where he narrowly missed the cut by four strokes after solid rounds of 75 and 74.

Born in Hong Kong to a Singaporean father and Japanese mother, Tai’s love affair with golf started at the tender age of four.

Thanks to his parents who introduced him to the sport. His journey continued as he attained significant milestones in his amateur career, including representing Singapore at international tournaments like the World Amateur Team Championship and the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, where he finished an impressive 14th in 2019 as a teenager.

As he prepares for the Masters, Tai is not just focused on the competition, but also on soaking in the atmosphere at Augusta National.

"I want to play to the best of my abilities and hopefully finish as high as possible. But I know I will definitely be enjoying this unforgettable experience,” he remarked.

While the Masters will be a significant milestone, Tai is already looking toward his future in professional golf.

Graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2026, he hopes to pursue a professional career soon afterward. "In about a year and a half, I hope to turn professional," he stated.

Tai dreams of playing in tournaments across Asia, which is crucial for many Asian golf fans who hope he will bring his talent back to the continent.

"I would like to try playing in the U.S. first, but there are many pathways today, and I will explore those options when the time is right."

As Tai prepares for his historic Masters debut, golf enthusiasts around the world will be eager to watch this rising star make his mark not only in the United States but also on the global golf stage.

With ambition, talent, and determination fueling his journey, Hiroshi Tai is on track to inspire a new generation of golfers in Singapore and beyond.