Matsuyama "Is the Masters Victory Worth as Much as 675.3 Billion Won?"

Sports Business Media Spotico Outlook "20 Million Dollar Sponsorship Deals Every Year for 30 Years 'Money Seat'~"

The value of 'Masters Champ' Hideki Matsuyama is soaring to unprecedented heights.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "600 million dollars (675.3 billion KRW)."

The value of Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), ranked 14th in the world, is skyrocketing. His status changed after winning the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club (par 72) in Georgia, USA, on the 12th (Korean time). Sports business media Spotico predicted that "he will earn 600 million dollars in the future." Bob Dorfman, a sports marketing expert, explained, "He can secure sponsorship contracts worth 20 million dollars (2.25 billion KRW) annually for the next 30 years."

Matsuyama is the leading golf star in Japan. He already receives solid annual support worth over 10 billion KRW from strong companies such as Lexus automobiles, golf equipment maker Srixon, and Nomura Securities. The Japanese golf market is the second largest in the world after the United States. It is interesting that Japanese people particularly admire the Masters. Analysis suggests that "if it were other major wins like the US Open, The Open, or the PGA Championship, the value would have been relatively lower."

Money from Japanese companies is now shifting from American Hollywood stars and sports stars to Matsuyama. In fact, Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori receives 30 million dollars (33.7 billion KRW) annually, and three-time major champion Naomi Osaka attracted 36 million dollars (40.5 billion KRW) in sponsorships last year. David Schwab, an executive at sports marketing firm Octagon, said, "Matsuyama's value is infinite," adding, "Countless proposals will be piled up on desks tomorrow morning."

Moreover, Matsuyama uses all Japanese brands for his golf clubs, balls, and apparel. Japan has a huge domestic market and a strong preference for domestic brands. Unlike Korea, foreign products struggle and the market is even called 'Galapagos.' On the other hand, he has no presence in the US market. Following Matsuyama's Masters victory, Japan's domestic-focused golf equipment industry may actively enter the US market.