Hideki Matsuyama wrapped up the Japan Tour money title Sunday – not bad for a 21-year-old who turned pro less than eight months ago.
Matsuyama won his fourth title of the season at the Casio World Open, where he edged Yuta Ikeda by a shot at Kochi Kuroshio Country Club.
His transition to the pro ranks has been seamless.
Matsuyama became just the third player to break the 200-million yen mark in earnings, following Jumbo Ozaki and Toshimitsu Izawa, and he accomplished the feat in just 13 starts. He is the first rookie to win the money title.
Matsuyama, who will play on the PGA Tour in the 2013-14 season, finished inside the top 20 in all three major starts this year, including a pair of top 10s at the U.S. and British opens. He also represented the International team at the Presidents Cup.