Asian Tour Book 2024

HATAJI SCALES REMARKABLE PEAKS FINAL-HOLE THREE-PUTT DENIES HEND Takahiro Hataji [left and right] became the first Japanese winner of New Zealand’s National Open. T akahiro Hataji arrived in Queenstown with little fanfare and a modest playing record. There was no evidence to suggest he was capable of pulling off one of the biggest upset wins in the history of the Asian Tour. But that’s exactly what he did. Defying extreme odds, the previously winless 30-year-old Japanese enjoyed the week of his life at the majestic Millbrook Resort to write his name into the record books at the New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport. Not only was it his maiden triumph, but, also, he became the first player from Japan to win the New Zealand Open, which was celebrating its 103rd edition, and the first Japanese to win on the Asian Tour since Takumi Kanaya at the International Series Oman 11 months earlier. For much of the week, the focus of attention had been firmly fixed on Australian veteran Scott Hend. But just when it looked like the 50-year-old was about to claim an 11th Asian Tour title, his thunder was stolen by Hataji. In full view of the Remarkables mountain range, unheralded Hataji’s victory was truly remarkable. In his 10th year as a professional, even Hataji was somewhat stunned to find himself in the winner’s enclosure in the tournament that was jointly- sanctioned with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, in partnership with the Japan Tour. “I am really thrilled, very happy. The whole day was a fight. It was a struggle, but I am happy I came through it. My emotions really came to the surface,” said Hataji, whose best prior performance came in the 2023 Kansai Open Golf Championship in Japan, where he was runner-up. Despite entering the final round at Millbrook just one shot off the pace, Hataji hardlymeritedamentionas apotential winner. However, he gradually worked his way to the top with two birdies on the front nine. Further gains on 12 and 15 catapulted him into a two-shot lead. Nonetheless, when he narrowly missed a 15-footer for birdie on the par-three last 42 NEW Z E A L A ND OPEN PR E SEN T ED BY SK Y SPORT M I L L B ROO K R E S O R T , QU E E N S TOWN F E B R UA RY 2 9 - MA R C H 3 , 2 0 2 4 | P R I Z E MON E Y: NZ $ 2 M I L L I ON ( A P P ROX I MAT E LY U S $ 1 . 2 2 M I L L I ON )