Kazuki Higa returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in three years on the JGTO, producing a dramatic eagle on the second playoff hole to defeat Ren Yonezawa and capture his seventh JGTO title at the ISPS HANDA Explosion in the Summer on Sunday.
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Higa, who started the day in a share of the lead, battled his way to a closing seven-under-par 65, capped by a clutch birdie on the 18th that secured his place in the playoff on 30-under-par 258.
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Yonezawa, playing one group ahead, piled on the pressure with a brilliant 64 that featured three birdies in his final four holes. The playoff began with both players parring the par-five 18th, but on the second trip down the hole, Higa struck decisively with an eagle three to seal the victory and end his drought.
Higa’s triumph brought back the much-needed self-belief after having to endure a frustrating spell without a victory since his stellar 2022 season, where he won four times and captured the money ranking title.
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He admitted the path back to the top has not been easy, but Sunday’s breakthrough brought a deep sense of relief and satisfaction.
“It’s been a long time since I won, and I had been struggling. On top of that, my caddie is a childhood friend, and one of my dreams was to win together with him. All of that emotion hit me at once.”
“I’ve been chasing opportunities in Europe and Asia instead of focusing solely on Japan. I tried to make the most of every chance, but results didn’t come. There were times I felt broken, but I told myself I had to carry on. To finally win again gives me so much confidence and happiness,” said Higa.
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Despite missing out on a grandstand finish, Yonezawa’s runner-up finish continued to highlight his remarkable run of form — in his last 10 JGTO starts, he has finished inside the top-10 on nine occasions.
“Getting to 30-under meant I played really well this week,” said Yonezawa. “I thought it might be enough to win, but in the end it wasn’t. Still, I achieved the goals I set at the start of the week, and I’m happy about that. I holed some tough putts at the end, and while the playoff was a bit disappointing, I know what I need to work on before next week.”
