Tournament article

Japan Golf Tour Championship Mori Building Cup Shishido Hills 2021

Ryosuke Kinoshita in joyous tears! Dream come true on the Major stage to achieve his 1st Victory

Ryosuke was in tears and couldn't speak for a while at the winner's interview.
"I have struggled for really long time to grab my first win. I have failed to win so many times. Finally, I was able to achieve my first victory."

Ryosuke on his 8th year as a professional won his first career victory on a Major tournament and treated himself with 5-years Tour Seed. Ryosuke started the Final Round as a leader with 4 shot margin.
"I knew that Shishido Hills won't let me win easily. You never know until the very end, so I couldn't sleep. I was crushed with pressure."

From too much pressure, his 1st shot of the day went into the right-side trees.
"Miraculously, there was a space in front of me to hit."
He carried it to the front of the green, after good short game, he 1 putted for Par.

"Maybe I was delusional, but it felt like every fan was cheering for me. I was able to get my game back in play thanks to those cheers."

29 years old's motto is "endeavor everyday". He has been dreaming for the day like today to come since he turned Pro in 2013.
"Some say they stay away from practice for a change, but I love golf too much and cannot stay a day away without having the golf club in my hands."

His has improved and placed himself in contentions but couldn't win. He was so close to winning last November at VISA Taiheiyo Masters, but failed to win, although he started out as a leader. He craved for the win in his 20s, and few chances did come this year but couldn't make it happen.
"I was almost giving up. I told myself if I can't win today, I will never. I kept on telling myself not to get defeated mentally. I must stay mentally strong like Hideki."
By the time he got to final 18th with comfortable 6 shot lead, he pressures loosened. When his 2nd shot caught the green, tears came to his eyes. After the birdie putt fell into the cup, he couldn't stop crying.
"My 1st win was so far away. Now, monkey is finally of my back. Now I have new dreams. I want to challenge abroad, and somewhere along the way I want to be at The Masters. Also, I want to become the Order of Merit champion too."

Ryosuke's next closest challenge will be The Open, his first Major Tournament.
"I will aim to be in the Top 10 as a player representing Japan. 2022 will be 150th Anniversary and it will be held at St. Andrews so I would like to aim for that goal."