'Overall it's a great memory that I'll carry on with me,'' Im said.

The South Korean finished second at the 2020 Masters before missing the cut last year. Im, 24, was the 2018-19 PGA Tour rookie of the year, and he won the 2020 Honda Classic and the 2021 Shriners Children's Open. On Thursday, Im took the lead at the 2022 Masters with a first-round 67, leaving him one shot ahead of Cameron Smith. Matsuyama last year became the first Asian-born player to win a green jacket. Sungjae Im's caddie may now be planning on a Sunday afternoon gesture. After Hideki Matsuyama won the 2021 Masters, his caddie replaced the flag on the 18th green, turned toward the sprawling golf course, and bowed as a measure of respect.