Last week, Kazuki Higa made some headlines with his great first ever win with the tournament record at the RIZAP KBC Augusta, and that joyful atmosphere still surrounds him. So many congratulating e-mails and line messages flooded his phone. His admiring hero, Hideki Matsuyama has also sent him a short message saying, "great!". It was 1-word praise, but Kazuki was fascinated by the massage he has received from his hero.

But on Tuesday's pre-event ceremony, Ryo Ishikawa came up to congratulate Kazuki and gave him a hug.
"I was so flattered", recalled Kazuki by making his cheeks pink.
Kazuki will be in the same group with Ryo Ishikawa for the first 2 rounds.

Ryo said, "Kazuki is tough player and it's not so comfortable playing along with him. Nothing seems to bother him, and he has shown that he has strong will too. I know that he is a loving character and everybody like him, but since he is strong minded, it's very demanding to go head to head with him."

Very Ryo like phrasing for a praise. Ryo has won 2 years in a row in 2010. Kazuki is looking to make it 2 weeks in a row. Kazuki will be making a debut at this week's tournament "Fuji Sankei Classic". The venue, Fujizakura CC is the 2nd longest course on the Tour which is 7566 yards.

"The course lies in high altitude which does fly the ball longer, but my shot trajectory is low, so it doesn't fly that long. I don't think I am getting that altitude support much" said Kazuki.

The Fujizakura CC has a nickname of "monster course" due to its difficult setting.
"I was watching on TV until last year and saw how difficult this course could be. But since I get to play alongside with Ryo this year, I am looking forward and want to play under par so that I can keep up with Ryo."