Round116:40 Suspended due to darkness. The resumption of R1 will be from 9:00
Tournament article
HEIWA PGM CHAMPIONSHIP 2019
Ryuji Masaoka finishes at 12T at the top out of the local Okinawa originated players
"The greens on this course is too tough."
He asked his big brother to bring few putters that Ryuji left in his closet back home after the practice round.
"I've asked my brother to bring me 5, 6 putters that I used to use."
He chose one of them and placed it in his caddy bag.
His practicing partner and same Heiwa sponsored Pro, Yuta Ikeda told him about the pressure that Host Pros must answer.
"I felt the same way", says Ryuji.
He also had strong feelings to win here this week so that he could give power to the local people who are suffering from the loss of World's Heritage Shuri Castle burn down.
Ryuji also wanted to answer to his family as they came to the course everyday to cheer for him, but the result was not good enough.
"It's not even enough to secure my seed."
His rank on the Money List was 62nd last week, with this week's prize money of 3,890,000 yen he is now at 51st, but that is still not good enough. He tends to be in this position every year, worrying about his seed until the very last moment.
"I have to worry about my seed. But I know the best thing is to win."
He couldn't make that dream come true in his hometown Okinawa, but he has 3 more chances left and Ryuji surely hasn't given up yet.