Article

Golf Nippon Series JT Cup 2019

Current No.1 Money Ranker Shugo Imahira stumbles but hangs on after Round 2

No.2 Money Ranker Shaun Norris finished at total 5 under as solo 2nd. On the other hand, Shugo had a tough day. "I think I was patient today", he recalled as he finished the round with even par 70 to stand at 7th, with total 3 under 3 shots behind the leader.

On the final 18th, the toughest Par 3 of the Tour, his tee shot couldn't capture the green and had a tough shot from the rough.
"I thought I should carry the ball to the pin, but my swing got loosened and the club head slid to below of the ball."
This short game miss left him 5-meter putt.
"I read it as a right to left line, 3 cups worth. I am so glad that I was able to survive it by making that par save."

On the windy freezing day, Shugo had 3 putt bogeys on 1th and 4th.
"I got frustrated", said Shugo, but he managed to make the bounce back on 2nd and 5th both making the 7-meter birdie putts.
"I was able to make bounce backs, but I couldn't get myself to have more birdie chances. But I still have 2 more days, and since the players in the top group wasn't able to make big scores today, I am still in good position. I know I will have my chance to win."

Shugo is 3 shot behind the leader, and 2 shots behind Shaun Norris. If Shaun wins this week, the Order of Merit Champion title will be his, no matter what.
"If Shaun wins, I will be overtaken. So, I need to block him from doing so. I will aim to make big score tomorrow."

Shugo is aiming to become the 5 th player to defend the Order of Merit Champion title following Isao Aoki, Jumbo Ozaki, Tommy Nakajima and Shingo Katayama by winning this week.

He doesn't like to wear knit sweater on since it interferes with his swing, but from the freezing forecast, he has prepared practicing with the sweater on. The forecast says, it will become worse on Saturday.
"I bought Heattech at Uniqlo today, I will try practicing with that on. I will cut off the sleeves and wear it double, if it works I will go with that plan tomorrow."