Tournament article

Japan Open Golf Championship 2021

Victorious winner Shaun Norris wishes to dedicate this Major title to 3 important loved ones

Shaun Norris now holds 6 Japan Tour victories including 2 Japan major titles and says, there was very important reason for him to must win this week.

"First of all, I want to dedicate this victory to my lovely wife."
His wife is expecting their second child next March.
"I am so glad that I was able to win for her."

Second person is his mentor since junior days. Bridget, who has been the important member of golf association in Shaun's hometown Pretoria. Her family and Shaun's family are longtime friends.
"When my father passed away 3 years ago, she encouraged me to go on and enjoy playing golf. That will eventually lead to good result."
Bridget is fighting cancer now, and when Shaun went back to visit her in the summer, she also suffered brain stroke and still in critical condition.
"Now, I could send her a good message", said Shaun as his eyes were full of tears.

Lastly, he always dedicates the victory to his younger brother Kyle, who is always by his side as his caddy. Today, October 17th was Kyle's 35th birthday.
"I promised him that I will win and celebrate his birthday."

But Kyle will be flying back home soon, since his medication for blood pressure can't be prescribed in Japan. His illness has gone critical at one point, so he will be treated fully when he gets back to South Africa.

So, Kyle won't be back in Japan for rest of the year.
"How could I live without him? Until now, he did everything for me."

Kyle has been big part on supporting Shaun mentally too. Shaun was very upset when he lost the chance for the ZOZO Championship, as he was 2 shots shy from earing the ticket. But Kyle got Shaun back on his feet and that led to this week's victory. As usual brothers they do fight over things, even on the course, but no matter how bad they fight, Kyle always smiles and says, "Hey big brother let's have a good round today" in the next morning and everything will be okay.

Shaun asked another brother to fill in the spot, but Visa difficulties got in the way. So, Shaun will have to deal with having club house caddy or pull the cart on his own. He is worried, but thanks to Kyle's support, Shaun now stands as 7th on the Money Rankings. He lost to Shugo Imahira 2 years in a row as runner-up for the Order of Merit title.
"I will give it a try again this year."
From now on, trying to send great news back home to Kyle will be big motivation for Shaun.