Tournament article

Golf Nippon Series JT Cup 2021

Would Hideto Tanihara's good deeds pay off and accomplish his 1st JT Cup champion title?

Hideto Tanihara is known for his caring and supportive actions. He watches over both young and old players and gives precise advice. Would all of his good deeds pay off tomorrow, the last round of the season ending evet?

 

43 years old Hideto Tanihara played his 3R with magnificent score of 64. He totaled to 11 under and now he is the solo leader with 2 shots margin going into the final Sunday.

"I have been struggling on my swing and it was gradually getting better from the worst. Today, I would say it was okay."

His putter was hot as always, and he played bogey free round with 6 birdies.

 

He was challenging EPGA Tours in 2017 to 2019 and came back to Japan Tour from this season. He won the SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters in November, which he was away for 5 years, and now he has 15 Tour victories under his belt. Thanks to this victory he has earn the ticket to season ending event.

"I have been to JT Cup for 13 times, but never won. So, I do have disappointing feelings about this tournament."

 

He has 7 top 10 finishes here, and tomorrow will be his third time to be on the final group on Sunday. He was in the final group last year, but bogey on the final 18th made him lose as 2T. Another time was in 2013. Yusaku Miyazato made a dramatic chip-in on the final hole and took away the victory, as Hideto finished as 3rd with 4 shots behind.

"I remember that time, as Yusaku won the JT Cup for the first time. He took away the good luck and I didn't have luck. I bet he earned it with daily good deeds."

 

Final 18th green will be surrounded with spectator and looks like natural a stadium. So many dramatic super shots and upset has happened here. But Hideto refused to refrain to his pasts.

"I only want to think about golf in front of me, just my swing. I don't want to recall why I lost that time, or how come that shot was mistake, and why couldn't I make that putt. Thinking over and over about mistakes is unnecessary during the round."

 

Other may see as Hideto challenging to make revenge, but for Hideto himself he is just aiming to win the tournament in front of him.

"I want to finish under par for the day, since it is the last tournament of the season. Of course my goal is to win tomorrow."

May be Hideto's good deeds will pay off tomorrow.