World No.1 Amateur Makes History At The Japan Open
Taiga Semikawa became the first amateur to win the tournament in its 95 year history
Japanese amateur, Taiga Semikawa, is flying up the World Rankings and has now made history at the Japan Open, as he becomes the first amateur winner in its 95 year history.
Along with the historic victory, it was also the 21-year-old's third professional title in a row, with Semikawa claiming the Panasonic Open Golf Championship and Japan Create Challenge in FukuokaRaizan prior to his home open title.
A post shared by JGTO 男子プロゴルフツアー (@japangolftour)
A photo posted by on
Heading into the final day, Semikawa had a resounding lead of six shots and actually extended this by two, with back-to-back opening birdies. It did begin to get slightly edgy though, as Semikawa dropped a shot on the fifth before a triple-bogey on the ninth.
His lead was then cut to two after a bogey on the 17th, before a par finish sealed the win. Following his victory, the Japanese star stated: "I'm delighted to win this tournament.
"I didn't think I could save par on the final hole, but I knew my putt was going in when I saw it rolling toward the cup. I hit a good bunker shot to save par on the 10th after the triple-bogey. That was huge. I was able to regroup for the rest of the round."
Well, well, well, what do we have here... Huge congrats, again, to 21 yo amateur Taiga Semikawa, who won the prestigious Japan Open by two shots. His last three results read: 1, 1, 1 !!! 😳With a bit of luck he should jump inside the top 350 in the world! #OWGR pic.twitter.com/CGeKvTbVdbOctober 23, 2022
PGA Tour player, Adam Scott, was also present at the event and ended up finishing T6, but the day was all about Semikawa, who added “now that I have won twice, I’m going to raise the bar even higher and expect even more from myself.
"Winning the Panasonic Open and now the Japan Open has changed my perspectives and mindset. I want to build on this. My dream is to win all four Majors.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
The World No.1 amateur has so far risen from 1851st to 516th in the professional rankings on the back of his incredible recent form, with it likely he'll make his way into the World's Top 350.
Japan is becoming prolific in creating golf talent and this was even more apparent when Hideki Matsuyama won The Masters in 2021. Coincidentally, Semikawa also plays for the same university golf team that Matsuyama attended.
Cieran joined the Golf Monthly team having previously written for other digital outlets like Reach PLC and Northern Golfer. After studying Journalism at Northumbria University, Cieran went on to complete an MA at the University of Sunderland. A big golf fan, he currently plays at Blyth Golf Club, where he holds a handicap of 8. Citing his favorite golfer as Tiger Woods, Cieran regards himself as the best snap hooker of a ball in the North of England.
-
Thomas Rosenmueller Facts: 15 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Thomas Rosenmueller has had some ups and downs since turning pro, but a successful 2024 on the Korn Ferry Tour suggests the best could be about to come
By Mike Hall Published
-
William Mouw Facts: 15 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro
The American had a successful amateur career, and he's continued to impress since turning professional - here are 15 facts about the rising PGA Tour star
By Mike Hall Published
-
Hideki Matsuyama Without Caddie For FedEx Cup Playoffs After Passports Stolen
The Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist, his coach, and his caddie all had items taken during a stopover in London
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Niall Horan Invests In Rory McIlroy’s TGL Team As Tyrrell Hatton Replacement Confirmed
The former One Direction singer has invested in Boston Common Golf as Tyrrell Hatton's replacement is announced
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Fortinet Australian PGA Championship Prize Money Payout 2023
Cameron Smith defends his title as the new DP World Tour season begins
By Mike Hall Published
-
'The Penalty For Missing A Driver Isn’t High Enough' - Scott On Distance Debate
Adam Scott would like to see the size of the driver head reduced before the governing bodies look at any rollback of the golf ball
By Mark Townsend Published
-
Genesis Scottish Open Live Stream: How To Watch The Action From North Berwick
Rory McIlroy leads by a shot but 16 golfers are within five strokes of the lead
By Roderick Easdale Last updated
-
'Sorry Sis' - Min Woo Lee Plays Travelers Instead Of Watching Sister Minjee At KPMG
Min Woo Lee was all booked to watch his sister, Minjee, at this week's women's Major before his stellar play got in the way
By Mark Townsend Published
-
PGA Tour Pro Almost Holes Out For A 59 At Travelers Championship
American Denny McCarthy very nearly joined one of golf's most exclusive clubs at the Travelers Championship
By Mark Townsend Published
-
Adam Scott Admits Feeling ‘Left In The Dark’ Over Golf’s Merger
The Australian admits the news of the PGA Tour's deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund took him by surprise
By Mike Hall Published