Tournament article

Top Cup Tokai Classic 2019

Shaun Norris succeeds in dedicating his 4th Japan Tour victory to his late father

Shaun Norris from South Africa came through by 1 shot to make his wish come true. This became Shaun's 4th victory in Japan Tour, and it became one of most meaningful win for him. After ha made the less than 1-meter winning putt, he broke down in tears.

His dearest father has passed away at the age of 75 on July 5th this year. Shaun crouched down on the green and covered his crying face with both hands. His younger brother Kyle who caddied for Shaun this week came to raise him up and said quietly to his ears.
"I told you so that Dad will be watching from heaven above."

Shaun borrowed his brother's hands and finally got up.
"I dedicate this victory to my father" said Shaun as his voice was still shaking.
"I was able to make the 4th victory come tur with the support of my brother. I can't find enough words to describe this joy."

Shaun couldn't stop crying for a while.

Shaun Norris made 2 birdies in a row from the beginning and his lead became 4 shots. But soon after as recalled, "careless mistakes continued", as he made bogey on 4th followed by another bogey and double bogey which got his lead blown away.

Shaun had to keep his patience until the very end and continue fighting. His brother by his side really supported Shaun strongly. Shaun and his 2 brothers are also professional golfers following the footsteps of their father.
"Our father gave us the chance to play golf. I really wish that he would still be alive. I lost concentration to play golf after this big loss. I needed someone close to be with me."

That someone special was his 4 years younger brother Kyle, who used to caddy for him until 2 years ago. Today, at every tough moments, brothers were remembering what their father always told them.
"If you keep on believing, the chance will come."

It was jammed on the top of the leader board and at one time, Shaun became 2nd, but he soon made a birdie by draining the 8-meter putt and became a co-leader. From there Shaun showed his power to fight through the tough finishing holes and grabbed the victory with his brother.

Now, he ranks 8th on the Money list.
"US PGA Tour co-sanctioned ZOZO Championship is every players' goal."
Top 7 player on the Money Rankings after the next week's Bridgestone Open receives exemption to the ZOZO Championship.
"I will not finish with today's victory. I will keep on winning and would fulfill my goals."