Tournament article

Japan Open Golf Championship 2019

Mikumu Horikawa just 1 shot shy to give him the chance for the playoff

Mikumu Horikawa has received the sponsor invitation for next week's US PGA Tour co-sanctioned event ZOZO Championship on Tuesday, and he was really eager to add this Major title before going on to next week's prestigious game. But his bogey-bogey finish made his goal slip right through his fingers.

Toward the final few holes, leader Koki Shiomi got in trouble and suddenly the chance was coming toward Mikumu to grab his 2nd Major title, following the one he won in June at Shishido Hills.

He became a leader after 16, but on Par 3 17, he failed to save 2-meter par putt. Then on 18, where he was co-leader with the already holed out Chan Kim, another regretful miss happened.
"It was like almost bare ground so I chose putter to hit from the apron of the green, but I just couldn't make the 2-meter par saving putt."

Next week will be the US PGA Tour co-sanctioned event ZOZO Championship. Mikumu couldn't bring himself into the field on his own, but fortunately he was able to gain sponsors invitation from the founder of ZOZO, Mr. Maezawa. As they played in same Pro-Am games, and Mikumu has done a great host and taught him some golf tips and all, also asked for a favor to give Mikumu the chance to play among the world class players. Mikumu's effort worked and he received the invitation on Tuesday this week.

"I wanted to play well this week to show that I am worthy to be invited. If I could have won this week, it could have been the best way to thank Mr. Maezawa. But I still have next week, so I would really like to play well and give back."