Iwasaki aims to soar again at ANA Open Golf Tournament

Aguri Iwasaki is eager to recapture his winning form when he returns to defend his ANA Open title that starts on Thursday.

The Sapporo Golf Club Wattsu Course was the stage of his second JGTO victory, and the 27-year-old hopes the positive memories will give him an edge.

“It’s my first time coming back to the same course as the defending champion, so there are some nerves. But I also have good memories from last year, and I feel like that will help me play well. The course is tough, and it’s not easy to make birdies, so I just want to do my best each day,” said Iwasaki

Last year, the 27-year-old overcame a shaky start after a double bogey on his second hole but fought back bravely with five birdies and an eagle to pip Kota Kaneko and Ryutaro Nagano to the title by two shots.

This season, Iwasaki has posted just two top-10 finishes in 14 JGTO starts, but he remains determined to turn things around as he tees it up in Sapporo.

“The field is very strong this week, and I know I’ll need to play my best golf. But I’m excited for the challenge and to be back here as defending champion. Hopefully I can put myself in contention again come Sunday,” said Iwasaki.

Iwasaki will begin his ANA Open title defence at 12:05 p.m. (local time) from the 10th tee, playing alongside Tatsunori Shogenji and Takumi Kanaya.

The ANA Open is one of the JGTO’s most popular events, regularly attracting top Japanese and international players, while drawing large galleries to Sapporo’s picturesque Wattsu Course. 

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