Tournament article

ISPS HANDA Championship in JAPAN 2022

Norris rediscovers form

Norris rediscovers form

South African star Shaun Norris has rediscovered his form just in time before embarking on his next adventure in the United States.

 

After missing the cut at last week's Kansai Open Golf Championship, the 39-year-old Norris swiftly returned to his usual best by firing a closing six-under-par 65 to tie for 10th spot on 18-under-par 266 with Michael Hendry of New Zealand and Japan's Naoto Nakanishi.

 

Norris's brief stint in Japan that included a joint-ninth result at the Token Homemate Cup will certainly come in handy as he gears up for the forthcoming PGA Championship from May 19-22.

 

Currently, the world number 62, Norris is expected to make the cut by virtue of being one of the top 100 ranked players on the Official World Golf Ranking on May 9.

 

Norris also aims to do well in both US Open in June and The Open in July.

 

Norris has qualified for the 150th British Open at St Andrews, thanks to his Japan Open victory last year.

 

"I won't be playing in the Crowns next week as I'm heading off to America to prepare for the PGA (Championship)," said Norris.

 

"I will also be getting ready for the US Open and The Open.

 

"I look forward to returning to Japan for the second half of the season. "

 

After barely making the cut in joint-60th on Friday, Norris fought back gallantly with a flawless 64 in the penultimate stage before signing off with a 65 today.

 

After mixing three birdies with two bogeys on the front nine, he turned on the style with a hat-trick of birdies right after the turn and finished well with another pair on 16 and 17.

 

"Somehow, I found my game on the back nine. I felt a little bit better," said Norris.

 

"At the end of the day, if you find yourself finishing in the top 10, you'll always be happy.

 

"I played very nicely overall, but the second round kind of disrupted me a little bit.

 

"I didn't give myself enough birdie chances. I'm happy with how I responded."