17 December 2024
The historic Shizu Hills Golf Club, located in Japan’s Ibaraki Prefecture, served as the stage for another Faldo Junior Tour event that showcased some of the nation’s finest young talent. Established in 1986, Shizu Hills has earned its reputation as one of Japan’s great golf destinations, celebrated for its beautifully designed course that weaves through lush landscapes, demanding precision from its players at every turn. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of prestigious events, and this championship added another milestone to its legacy. The event, featuring 117 competitors across four divisions, served as a qualifier for the upcoming Asia Grand Final in Vietnam.
Hiroki Masayama from Rikkyo University emerged as the standout performer in the Boys Under 21 category, delivering a remarkable performance with a total score of 12 under par (204), with rounds of 71, 68 and 65. His closest competitor, Kuranosuke Shimizu from Nihon University, finished at 6 under par with a total of 210 strokes. Kaito Kotani and Mahalo Ohkubo shared third place, both recording a consistent even-par finish of 216.
In the Girls Under 21 division, Miran Hagiuda from Kyoritsu Joshi Dai-ni High School showcased her talent, winning with a total score of 216 at even-par. Momoka Kudo claimed second place, matching Hagiuda’s total but falling short in a playoff. Maiya Okazaki rounded out the top three with a score of 220, 4 over par.
The Boys Under 16 division saw Miller Sato from Sano Nihon University High School rise to the top. Sato navigated the challenging course with a total score of 218, finishing 2 over par. Ibuki Takaura provided strong competition, ultimately securing the runner-up position with a score of 220. Rentaro Hara and Kohaku Takita shared third place, both carding 221 strokes.
The Girls Under 16 category witnessed a standout performance by Ai Goto of Shoin High School. Goto dominated the division with a total score of 212, an impressive 4 under par. Her second-round 66 was particularly notable, setting her apart from the competition. Rinka Nakayama secured second place with an even-par finish of 216, while Mao Inomata and Akari Teramoto shared third place with a total of 219, 3 over par.
The tournament’s winners have secured their spots in the Faldo Junior Tour’s 16th Asia Grand Final, at Laguna Lang Co, Vietnam, where they will represent Japan against top junior golfers from across the region. This event not only highlighted the exceptional talent emerging in Japanese junior golf but also underscored the critical role of developmental programs in fostering future sporting champions. Through the help of the Faldo Series, Japan continues to be a leader in nurturing future golf stars and has established itself as a golfing powerhouse for years to come.
Shizu Hills Country Club, Japan
