Shugo Imahira was able to accomplish one of his goals, to do defend the prestigious Order of Merit Champion Title. He was the Heisei Era's last and became Reiwa Era's first. Now he has joined the magnificent group of Isao Aoki, Jumbo Ozaki, Tommy Nakajima and Shingo Katayama who all have done this great repeat. Shugo marked this great record at the age of 27 years and 67 days, which renewed the youngest record set by Jumbo at 27 years and 318 days.

But even with this success, Shugo really regrets not being to win the season finale. He started out 2 shots behind the leader on the Final Round, with 5 birdies, he knew he had the chance to do so. He was tied as co-leader with Ryo Ishikawa, as he came to the 18th tee.
"I had the chance to win until I made the mistake on my 2nd shot."

One of the most difficult finishing hole, Par 3 18th, caught Shugo into a trap. His tee shot with 4I went to the rough at left front of the green.
"As for my short game, I aimed to make enough spin so the ball will stick right to the pin, but it bumped and rolled away."
He has the toughest steep downhill 1-meter putt to tackle.
"I thought if I read the lines too much it would go over, so I putted straighter but a bit firm."
That putt went over the cup for 4-meters and he couldn't even hole the bogey putt and ended the round with double bogey. This 1 putt got him out of the playoff with Ryo and Brad Kennedy.

Last year his Order of Merit title was crowned to him, but with only 1 victory, so he had the goal to win 3 tournaments this season. He went abroad aggressively to learn the world class players methods, has done so many trainings to gain more power and distance after he came back. He has been giving himself so many tough tasks so that he would be able to accomplish his goal.

"Same as last year, I think I still have loose ends. I would like to overcome them by next season, and I want to be able to play with more steady conscience."

Shugo has made the cut in all of the 24 tournaments he entered in Japan. Has finished in top 10 16 times, including the 5-time runner-up finishes.
"I know it is important to be constant, but I think winning is more important for me from now on."

He did accomplish a great record, but he is far away from being satisfied.
"I was able to make 2 victories this season, but I want to become a player show could win at least 3 tournaments every year."