Iwata looking to roll back the years again at Casio World Open Golf Tournament

Hiroshi Iwata is looking forward to reigniting his bid for another JGTO win as he returns to defend his title at the Casio World Open Golf Tournament, which tees off at Kochi Kuroshio Country Club on Thursday.
 
The 44-year-old captured his seventh JGTO title at this event last year after mounting a dramatic late charge to win by one shot. This season, he has notched four top-10 finishes, including coming narrowly close at The Crowns where he finished tied-second.
 
Speaking after Wednesday’s pro-am, Iwata admitted that conditions felt noticeably different compared to last year.
 
“The greens are softer and slower than they were, and the rough feels a bit longer,” said Iwata.
 
With two events left in the season, Iwata is focused on putting himself back in contention.
 
“I haven’t been in a real title fight since summer. It’s not just about being in good form. I want to be more consistent. That’s the goal this week,” added the veteran.
 
While Iwata seeks a resurgence, money ranking leader Kota Kaneko arrives with his sights set on closing out a breakthrough season.
 
The 23-year-old, already a two-time winner this year at the Kansai Open and the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters, is in position to claim his first money title.  But insists he is trying not to think too much about it and prefers to stay composed.

“If it gets decided here, that would be great, but I’m trying not to think about it too much,” he said.

“Becoming a money ranking champion is something not many people achieve. I don’t know if I’ll ever have another chance at it, so I really want it. I think a lot of people around me would be happy too.”
 
Ends.