Matsuyama Robbed in London, Caddie and Coach Forced to Return to Japan

Hideki Matsuyama's preparation for the FedEx Cup Playoffs has been disrupted after he, his caddie, and coach were robbed at a London airport. The trio was en route to Memphis for the first playoff event but were forced to make an unexpected stop in the British capital.

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Matsuyama Robbed in London, Caddie and Coach Forced to Return to Japan

Hideki Matsuyama's pursuit of the FedEx Cup title has hit a major setback after his caddie and coach were robbed at a London airport. The trio was on their way to Memphis, Tennessee, for the first playoff event following the Olympics in Paris.

However, their journey was disrupted during a layover in London. Matsuyama had his wallet stolen, while his caddie, Shota Hayoto, and coach, Mikihito Kuroyima, had their passports taken.

Matsuyama Robbed in London, Caddie and Coach Forced to Return to Japan

As a result, Hayoto and Kuroyima were forced to return to Japan to have their passports and visas reissued. This development has cast doubt on their availability for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, which starts on August 19.

"There's a chance they'll make it [to the tournament], but we have to go into it thinking it's close to zero," Matsuyama said, as per Golf Digest Japan.

Matsuyama Robbed in London, Caddie and Coach Forced to Return to Japan

The New York Post reports that the earliest Hayoto and Kuroyima could arrive in the United States is the week of the Tour Championship. However, Matsuyama would need to be within the top 30 in the FedEx Cup standings to qualify for the event at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. He is currently ranked eighth.

In the absence of his long-time caddie and coach, Matsuyama will have Taiga Tabuchi on his bag for the foreseeable future.

"I want to pass on to [Tabuchi] what I've cultivated with Shota [Hayato] on the course," Matsuyama said.

The 2021 Masters champion secured the bronze medal at the Olympics behind American Scottie Scheffler's gold and Brit Tommy Fleetwood's silver. He also triumphed at the Genesis Invitational earlier this year, marking his first victory since the 2022 Sony Open in Hawaii.

Matsuyama's focus will now shift to regaining his composure following the robbery and preparing for the FedEx Cup Playoffs without his trusted partners.

Matsuyama acknowledges the increased burden he will shoulder in the absence of Hayoto and Kuroyima.

"All the responsibility is on me," he said. "I'm looking forward to that for the first time in a while."

This experience could provide Matsuyama with an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to demonstrate his resilience under pressure.

Despite the challenges, Matsuyama remains determined to make a strong showing in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and contend for the championship title.