A sizeable Japanese contingent aims to make their presence felt at the Sony Open in Hawaii, the second stop of the PGA Tour‘s season, beginning this Thursday.
Accompanying the 2021 Masters champion, Hideki Matsuyama, are seven compatriots, including Ryo Hisatsune, who is making his debut as an official PGA Tour member after securing playing privileges through stellar performances on last season’s DP World Tour.
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The remaining six Japanese competitors—Takumi Kanaya, Taiga Semikawa, Yuto Katsuragawa, Aguri Iwasaki, Kensei Hirata, and amateur Rintaro Nakano—are eager to capitalise on this rare opportunity granted through sponsors’ exemptions provided by Sony Corporation, which has been title sponsoring the event since 1999.
They aspire to turn their bold dreams into reality, with the tournament’s victor earning a coveted two-year exemption.
Matsuyama, making his 11th appearance at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, is determined to secure a second victory after his triumphant performance in 2022.
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Among Matsuyama’s seven compatriots, Kanaya, Semikawa, and Katsuragawa are the only three who have previously participated in the tournament.
Kanaya competed three times between 2019 and 2022 but failed to make the cut in any of them.
Semikawa and Katsuragawa were both part of last year’s event, with the former commendably making it to the weekend rounds before ultimately settling for a tied 67th position.
Katsuragawa, who participated in the US second-tier Korn Ferry Tour last year, is eager to make a significant impact this time around.
“I’m committed to giving my absolute best, embracing the responsibility of representing the JGTO,” said Katsuragawa.
Nakano, last year’s Japan Amateur Championship winner, is determined not to be just a participant.
“I’m thrilled to kick off the year by competing in this prestigious tournament. My goal is not only to participate but to excel,” Nakano shared his aspirations.
