Hideki Matsuyama reveals unique ways to celebrate his 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship win

Hideki Matsuyama revealed a more playful side of himself during the victory press conference after his stunning win at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship. In a rare moment of lightheartedness, Matsuyama, known for his reserved nature, let his guard down in front of the media.

What prompted this unexpected display? A simple mention of Chick-Fil-A, his beloved fast-food chain. 

During the presser, Hideki Matsuyama couldn’t contain his excitement when the topic of Chick-Fil-A came up. So much so, that he spontaneously switched from Japanese to fluent English, surprising everyone in the room.

It was a moment that highlighted not only Hideki Matsuyama’s love for the chicken sandwich chain but also his human side, a glimpse of which the golfing world seldom sees. The revelation didn’t just end there; Matsuyama went on to share his detailed plans on how he would celebrate his FedEx St. Jude victory, involving none other than Chick-Fil-A.

Hideki Matsuyama’s Chick-Fil-A Celebration Plans

In the press conference, Hideki Matsuyama humorously admitted to delaying his victory celebrations due to the unfortunate timing of Chick-Fil-A’s Sunday closure—a tradition that often leaves many craving their menu after a long weekend:

“I had Chick-Fil-A last night, and in Denver, I think they have Chick-Fil-A, so that’s probably where I’ll celebrate tomorrow,” Matsuyama quipped, sending the room into laughter.

It was clear that for Hideki Matsuyama, no celebration was complete without a meal from his favorite fast-food spot.

The Japanese star, who rarely indulges in public displays of affection or enthusiasm, had pre-celebrated his impending victory with a meal at Chick-Fil-A on Saturday night. This preparation paid off, as he won the championship and was ready to continue his celebration on Monday when the restaurants would be open again.

His enthusiasm was so great that he had already scoped out the Chick-Fil-A locations in Denver, where he was headed next for the BMW Championship. For Hideki Matsuyama, this level of dedication to his favorite food joint underscored the significance of the win and how he chose to savor it—one bite at a time.

Perhaps the most surprising element of Hideki Matsuyama’s celebration plans was not just his love for Chick-Fil-A but his sudden language switch during the press conference. Typically, Matsuyama speaks to the media through an interpreter, choosing to communicate in his native Japanese. However, when discussing Chick-Fil-A, Matsuyama effortlessly transitioned into English, catching everyone off guard. 

This spontaneous switch showcased a different side of Matsuyama—a player who is usually reserved and measured in his public appearances. His comfort in discussing his celebratory meal in English highlighted not only his affection for Chick-Fil-A but also a moment of genuine joy and excitement.

It was a rare and endearing insight into the personality of one of golf’s most stoic figures, revealing that even champions have their playful, indulgent moments.

Hideki Matsuyama’s victory at the 2024 FedEx St. Jude Championship was nothing short of remarkable. Entering the final round with a solid five-stroke lead, Matsuyama managed to maintain his composure throughout Sunday, shooting an even-par 70 to secure a two-stroke victory.

This win, his second of the season, further solidified his standing as one of the top contenders on the PGA Tour, moving him up to third in the FedEx Cup standings.

Matsuyama’s journey to the win was marked by consistent performances throughout the tournament. He opened the championship with a 5-under 65 on Thursday, followed by an even more impressive 6-under 64 on Friday and Saturday.

Despite the pressure of holding the lead, Matsuyama remained steady on Sunday, closing out the tournament in style and earning a hefty $3.6 million in prize money along with 2,000 FedEx Cup points.

This victory also marked Matsuyama’s tenth PGA Tour win, a significant milestone in his already illustrious career. Despite facing a few unexpected challenges, including his caddie’s last-minute replacement due to a stolen passport, Matsuyama’s focus and determination never wavered.

In the end, his disciplined approach and meticulous preparation paid off, culminating in a well-deserved victory that he celebrated in the most Matsuyama way possible—waiting patiently for Chick-Fil-A to open on Monday.

As Hideki Matsuyama heads to the BMW Championship in Denver, riding high on the momentum from his FedEx St. Jude win, fans can only wonder what other surprises the reserved star might reveal next. One thing is certain, though—his next Chick-Fil-A meal will taste all the sweeter with another championship under his belt.