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HEIWA PGM CHAMPIONSHIP 2018
Even without his dependable caddy aside, Daisuke Kataoka fights hard
He's hometown Kochi is known for the gusty winds, but in Okinawa that wind lasts all day long. Daisuke faced difficult situation on his starting 10th hole. His second shot from the thick rough went way left and ended up out of bounds. But he barely managed to cup in the 10-meter bogey putt.
"It was a roller coaster hole, went from the miserable to saving lucky bogey."
This big save must have got Daisuke motivated. He eventually made 8 birdies and brought himself into the contention.
Daisuke has been travelling around different Tours this season. First, he was at EPGA and Asian Tours. From September, he challenged to US Tours. With these challenges, he smashed into slump due to feeling a bit powerless to all of the overseas' players. He wanted to gain more distance, but he pushed it too much and made his swing balance mixed up. But finally, it is all coming back to him.
Daisuke wanted to make his comeback with his long-time caddy aside, but she has been down with a flu for two weeks now.
"I spoke to her on the phone 3 days ago, but she was still coughing heavy. I told her to take another week off and get well soon."
Daisuke's dependable caddy is not along his side, but his experience at tough Asian courses are giving him hints and confidence at equally tough Okinawa course.
"Asian courses have gusty wind too, so I can recall from those experiences."
Daisuke is nourishing from every chance he has met. He is currently on 61st at Money Ranking, as of now, he is on the bubble.
"I wasn't playing at Japan Tour, so my money ranking is not good. My friends are anxious about me, but I want to let everybody, especially my caddy feel relieved with the win this week.