The same golfing gods, who ensured an historic first Masters triumph for Asia some 12 months ago, are now being called upon to ensure Japan's Hideki Matsuyama is fully fit to put up a worthy title defence this week.
His monumental one-stroke victory at Augusta National sent a golf-loving nation into dizzying heights, leading thousands of enthusiasts to throng driving ranges, buy the same golf equipment that he uses and tee up at local golf courses while mimicking his trademark pause on the backswing as Matsuyama-mania gripped Japan.
As the country's long-awaited first male major champion, it culminated with him receiving the Prime Minister's Award as Matsuyama was hailed a hero upon his return to his homeland.
Subsequent wins at the Zozo Championship, the PGA Tour's only tournament in Japan, and Sony Open in Hawaii during a spectacular nine-month stretch of golf are now suddenly forgotten as he pulled out of his last two events, the Players Championship in early March and last week's Texas Open, due to a troubling neck and back injury.
The 30-year-old said he withdrew from Texas to preserve his body and channel all his focus and energy towards his return to Augusta.
It may not be the best of preparation for the year's first major but for those who remember well, Matsuyama had stepped foot on Georgia's hallowed turf a year ago without a hint that he would adorn the green jacket, until something "clicked" at the practice range on the eve of the Masters.
Whether or not Matsuyama is 100 percent fit, it is a certainty he will tee it up as reigning Masters champion and compete through any pain barrier until he can no longer endure.
Japanese athletes take great pride in representing their flag and Matsuyama will be no different.
Winning the Masters has been a lifelong goal since he made his Augusta debut in 2011, courtesy of a milestone win at the 2010 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Tokyo -- an event created by Augusta National, the R&A and Asia Pacific Golf Confederation in support of the development of the game in the Far East.
Matsuyama was rather fortuitous as he only got into the AAC field after Japan, as host, received four additional spots in addition to an initial six places.
"It's been a great blessing to become the Masters champion. It's been great to go to various tournaments and to be introduced as the Masters champion," he said.
"Being the first Japanese to win a major, and especially the Masters, has made me really happy. I know I'm a happier person."
Before his shortened week in Texas, Matsuyama told a media conference he often sets his own expectations which ultimately has been a driving force for his vast success where he is now an eight-time PGA Tour winner.
"Looking forward is one way to put it, another is I really hope I play well. There's some expectations from myself, whether it's pressure or not," he said.
As the clock ticks towards the 86th Masters, every Japanese golf fan will be on the edge of their seats to see if Matsuyama will be fully fit and put on a strong defence.
But in its own special way, there is really nothing that Matsuyama needs to do or prove than enjoy being called the 2021 Masters champion on the first tee.
He has already inspired thousands of kids in Japan, Thailand and across Asia to shoot for the stars and there is no doubt he will win many more times on the PGA Tour, if not a few more green jackets. His place in golf history is already etched, irrespective of what happens this week.
Chuah Choo Chiang is senior director, marketing and communications, Asia-Pacific for the PGA Tour, and is based in Malaysia.