Asian Tour Yearbook - 2022

65 A S I A P A C I F I C O P E N G O L F C H A M P I O N S H I P D I A M O N D C U P OAR AI GO LF C LUB | MAY 12-1 5, 2022 | P R IZE MON E Y ¥1 00 M I LLI ON (AP P ROX . US$75 4,460) the final nine holes for a closing two-under-par 68. The only player in the field to better 70 on all four days, Imahira edged out compatriots Hiroshi Iwata, Kaito Onishi, Yuto Katsuragawa and amateur Kosuke Suzuki by one stroke. “I haven’t performed well this year, so I’m glad I am able to win,” said Imahira, whose triumph secured him a starting spot in July’s 150th Open Championship at St Andrews. “The Open was my goal at the start of this season. My world ranking (172nd) isn’t good enough to get me into overseas events, so getting into The Open by winning this week is amazing. The goal was to be a Major player rather than a prize winner,” added Imahira, a two-time JGTO money list winner (2018 and 2019) whose last victory came at the 2021 Fujisankei Classic. For their part, veteran Iwata, University of Southern California graduate Onishi, and Katsuragawa, joint runner-up in January’s SMBC Singapore Open, were all left to rue costly late errors. Onishi and Katsuragawa both made double- bogeys on the back nine, while the latter also dropped a shot on 17, handing the lead to Imahira. In a tie for eighth place on 275, the leading non-Japanese was Ben Campbell. Joint leader after round three, the New Zealander remained in contention until the penultimate hole where he lost a ball off the tee and took a double-bogey, signing off with a 72. While this was the 11th occasion that the Diamond Cup had been held at Oarai Golf Club, it was the first occasion since 2013 when Hideki Matsuyama claimed the title, a matter of months after turning professional. As well as featuring the leading players from the Asian Tour and JGTO, another point of difference with the Diamond Cup is that it includes 20 of the region’s outstanding amateur prospects. “Given its rich history, the Diamond Cup is truly unique,” said Andy Yamanaka, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the JGA, which hosts the event in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), Kansai TV and Mitsubishi Corporation. Yamanaka added: “Over the years, it’s been the intention for the Diamond Cup to contribute to society through a series of charity activities, a commitment to preserve our natural environment as well as focusing on making a regional contribution through the development of junior and amateur golfers. “The Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship Diamond Cup Golf has a remarkable past.” Shugo Imahira (FAR LEFT) was the only player to break 70 over all four days. Amateur star Kosuke Suzuki (ABOVE LEFT) closed with a stunning 63. Yuto Katsuragawa (ABOVE) was one of four who tied for second. Given its rich history, the Diamond Cup is truly unique. It has a remarkable past. -ANDY YAMANAKA