Kota Kaneko staged a remarkable late charge over his final three holes to edge out Yosuke Asaji and Ryu Hyun-Woo by one shot and claim the Kansai Open Golf Championship on Sunday.
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With the contest seemingly heading toward a three-way playoff, a composed Kaneko produced a stunning eagle on the par-five 16th, followed by a birdie on 17, and wrapped up with a solid par on the final hole. His closing three-under-par 67 sealed a maiden JGTO title with a winning total of 15-under-par 265 at the Hino Golf Club.
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“I wasn’t nervous at all today. But after making a birdie on the 13th hole, I thought I might have a chance, and from there, I started to make my move—especially on holes 16 and 17,” said Kaneko.
Kaneko’s breakthrough validates his decision to turn professional in 2020 and repays the faith shown by those closest to him.
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Visibly emotional after sinking his final putt, the 22-year-old broke down in tears as his closest friends rushed onto the green, dousing him in a joyful splash to celebrate the win.
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“I cry a lot, even normally. I’m quite emotional, and everyone was waiting for me. I was really happy when I made that putt. This win is also for them—especially for my mother—for her unwavering support and for standing by me through the highs and lows,” said Kaneko.
