Shugo Imahira is hopeful of putting up another strong performance as he returns to defend his title at the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters that starts on Thursday.
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Fresh from winning the Japan Open last month, the 10-time JGTO winner aims to continue his winning run at the Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course where he triumphed by one shot to win the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters last year.
“My goal is to win each time I tee up at a tournament. And this week is no different. The course is in great condition and I’m happy to be back again. There has been a continuous stretch of events and physically, I feel I’m already conditioned to compete at the highest level,” said Imahira.
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With four JGTO events remaining on the 2024 schedule, the 32-year-old is also aiming to take the prized money ranking title. He is currently ranked fourth, trailing Kensei Hirata by slightly over JPY 30,000,000.
The winner’s prize purse is worth JPY 40,000,000 and Imahira believes if he plays true to form, there is still a strong possibility of ending his season on a high note.
“There is still a chance for me to capture the money ranking title if I can secure another win. The stakes are high for everyone but I hope for myself, I can do it again.”
Imahira tees off alongside Hirata and Ryo Ishikawa at 9:40 am (local time) in his first round at the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters, featuring 87 players including seven amateurs.
