Hideki Matsuyama, the Japanese golfer, is set to begin the PGA Tour's postseason without his caddie and coach following a robbery incident during a layover in London after the Paris Olympics. According to Golf Digest Japan, Matsuyama had his wallet stolen, but fortunately, his Olympic bronze medal and passport were not taken.
However, his caddie, Shota Hayato, and coach Mikihito Kuromiya were not as lucky. Their passports and visas were stolen, forcing them to return to Japan to obtain new documents expedited for their return to the United States.
Matsuyama, who claimed victory at Riviera in the Genesis Invitational earlier this year, currently holds the 8th position in the FedEx Cup standings, ensuring his participation in two playoff events leading up to the season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta.
The FedEx St. Jude Championship is scheduled to commence on Thursday, followed by the BMW Championship outside Denver before the Tour Championship.
Matsuyama expressed optimism about the possibility of his caddie and coach making it to Atlanta, but acknowledged the slim chances, stating, 'we have to go into it thinking it’s close to zero.'
For the upcoming TPC Southwind event, Taiga Tabuchi, who previously caddied for Ryo Hisatsune, will be stepping in to work with Matsuyama.
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