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Mynavi ABC Championship Golf Tournament 2019
Shugo Imahira decided to stay in Japan Tour this week to regain "Top Money Rank" position
"I don't think I can be competitive enough in the world's top rank tournament with my abilities now. So, I decided to stay in Japan Tour, where there might be a possibility for me to win."
Shugo has finished in top 10 including a win, in 7 tournaments in a row, until the week prior to ZOZO Championship. He seemed to be worn out, being in contention for such a long period of time.
"My game seemed to be rusty for the past 2 weeks. I decided to concentrate on Japan Tour, so that I could keep the same rhythm for the reaming season."
He is also targeting to defend his Order of Merit title.
"In order to defend that title, I made my goal to win at least 2 tournaments. I am is a good position now, so I want to take this chance and push myself up that ladder."
Shugo has won at the Bridgestone Open and became top on the Money list for the first time this season, but it was overwritten by Chan Kim as he won the Major, Japan Open. Since Chan Kim is away in HSBC Champions, this is the best time to win and out lead him again.
Shugo also got an honorable sponsor agreement with Omega. This great new was released on Oct. 29th. Now he joins the prestigious list of, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Tommy Fleetwood, and Michelle Wie. Shugo is the only Japanese "Omega Ambassador"
Tokyo Olympics "Official Timekeeper" is Omega, and they have decided to choose Shugo Imahira, last year's Order of Merit Champion as their Ambassador
"It an honor to be the Ambassador, I will do my best and answer their expectations."
Shugo usually doesn't put on wristwatch as he plays golf, and he doesn't plan to from now on too, but he will surely be wearing the precious watches outside of the course to be the Japanese spokesperson. On the newest World Rankings, Hideki Matsuyama is 22nd, and Shugo is 53rd. At this moment, these 2 are the top candidate to represent Team Japan. Shugo will aim for much higher level with the support from the prestigious watch maker.