Mikiya Akutsu survived the blustery conditions as he held his ground to post a final round one-under-par 71 to win The Mizuno Open on Sunday.
On a day where gusts topped 40mph and only 16 players broke par at the JFE Setonaikai Golf Club, it was the 30-year-old who emerged victorious by signing off with a winning total of 13-under-par 275 to clinch his maiden JGTO title.
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With his breakthrough, Akutsu also earned his place as one of the leading three players not already exempt to The 153rd Open which will be held at Royal Portrush next month.
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“Honestly, I’m just so happy. There are so many emotions I’m going through now. Besides this win, I’ve also earned a ticket to The Open. It feels surreal and overwhelming.
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“I’ve chased this dream since my junior days. I earned my tour card in 2021 and have worked toward winning ever since. This isn’t the goal. It’s just the start. Winning even once is hard, and I have more respect now for pros with multiple titles,” said Akutsu.
Meanwhile, Korea’s Song Yong-Han (71) and Riki Kawamoto (73) will join Akutsu at the world’s oldest Major after they closed with matching 279 total, four shots back of Akutsu in tied-second place.
