Matsuyama's Caddie and Coach Can't Attend FedEx St. Jude
- Hideki Matsuyama's caddie and coach had their passports stolen.
- Due to this unfortunate incident, they cannot attend the FedEx St. Jude Championship.
- Matsuyama will be facing additional challenges during the tournament.
Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama is set to compete in the FedEx Cup playoffs, but he will do so without his regular caddie, Shota Hayato, and swing coach, Mikihito Kuromiya. The duo had their passports and visas stolen while in London, where Matsuyama had stopped after the 2024 Paris Olympics. As a result, they are returning to Japan to expedite the process of obtaining new travel documents. The St. Jude Championship in Memphis, Tennessee, marks the beginning of the playoffs, with the top 50 finishers advancing to the BMW Championship in Castle Rock, Colorado. Matsuyama currently holds a strong position, sitting eighth in points this season. However, the absence of his key support team presents a significant hurdle as he aims to maintain his competitive edge. In light of this setback, Taiga Tabuchi will take over caddying duties for Matsuyama. Tabuchi, who has experience working with fellow Japanese golfer Ryo Hisatsune, is expected to provide reliable support. Matsuyama expressed confidence in Tabuchi's abilities, noting his familiarity with the game and proficiency in English. Despite the recent theft incident, Matsuyama is likely to carry momentum into the tournament following his bronze medal win in Paris. This performance was a welcome rebound after struggling at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open Championship, although he previously secured a sixth-place finish at the U.S. Open in June. Matsuyama is scheduled to tee off at 1:35 p.m. ET, paired with Sahith Theegala.