We are joined by Keita Nakajima, current No. 1 ranked amateur in the world and the winner of the 2021 Mark McCormack Medal. Thank you for joining us. If you could talk about what your thoughts are going into this week of the Sony Open.
Keita Nakajima: I’m honoured to attend this event. I will enjoy this moment and do my best.
Related Content: Aussie Cam Smith storms American bastion in Hawaii
What are your thoughts on course management? You played a practice round out there for the past few days.
Nakajima: This course has a long par 4, like Hole No. 1. Rough is big. Tee shot is very important for this tournament. I will focus on tee shot.
View this post on Instagram
What is the most pressure you’ve ever felt in your young career, most nervous in a golf tournament?
Nakajima: I feel a bit of pressure. But I need to enjoy the tournament, just enjoy.
So you enjoy playing, but when you’re in a playoff, is your heart boat beating?
Nakajima: Yes.
Asian Tour: Baby-faced Kim promises to turn on heat in Singapore
How many JGTO events have you played?
Nakajima: Last year? Maybe five, six.
Did that give you confidence?
Nakajima: Yes.
What kind of motivation or inspiration does Hideki (Matsuyama) give you?
Nakajima: He’s a superstar in Japan, golfer. I want to catch up to Mr Hideki.
Why was it important that you stayed in college instead of turning pro?
Nakajima: Because Japan national team is going very well, so coach (Garrison) Jones, does stuff for the team.
View this post on Instagram
Where were you when Hideki won the Masters? Were you home? Were you in front of a TV?
Nakajima: In front of TV, no sleep, of course. Excited.
Did you think Hideki was a superstar before he won the Masters?
Nakajima: Of course, he was a superstar before the Masters.
View this post on Instagram
Did you play other sports when you were young?
Nakajima: No, just golf.
What are your plans after this week between now and the Masters?
Nakajima: I don’t have tournaments after this but I have a training camp in Japan with the national team.
View this post on Instagram
When will you get to the Masters?
Nakajima: A little early. Just one week before Masters.
What do you look forward to the most?
Nakajima: Enjoy the moment
PGA Tour
Exclusive Read: Setting goals not for Gaurav Pratap Singh
