Shori Ishizuka matched the course record at Keya Golf Club with a remarkable nine-under-par 63 to snatch the second round lead at the Sansan KBC Augusta Golf Tournament on Friday.
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The 22-year-old’s two-day total of 13-under-par 131 will see him head into the weekend with a three-shot cushion over Brad Kennedy (66), Riki Kawamoto (67), Yusuke Sakamoto (67) and Taiga Semikawa (67).
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Starting on the back-nine 10, Ishizuka parred the first four holes before he went on a stunning run, firing five successive birdies from the 14th to turn in 31. He continued his birdie blitz after the turn by picking up another shot on the first hole before marking his card with three more birdies on holes five, six and nine.
“Everything flowed from driving to putting. My caddie and I were even discussing the course record around the seventh hole, and tying it feels incredible,” said Ishizuka, who started playing golf at the age of three and turned professional in 2021.
Ishizuka credited his good form to his swing revival, which was key to his good score and also his putting technique, which he switched from left-handed putting to right.
“I used to swing down aggressively through the ball. But recently, I revisited that technique where I try to hit it with less loft and that has brought consistency and accuracy back to my game.”
“During a junior qualifier, I couldn’t make a one-meter putt. But switching hands saved my career. I’m able to focus on my rhythm now.”
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He also credited his good play to a calm and relaxed mindset as he was playing alongside fellow club member Haruto Uchiyama and having his close friend, Ryohei Akizaki, as his caddie.
“It felt like a practice round. There was no pressure, and I got to enjoy myself out there.
As Ishizuka prepares to start the weekend in pole position, he remains grounded yet optimistic.
“I’ll play to excite the fans and trust the process that got me here,” said Ishizuka.
