Ambitious Semikawa vows to conquer DP World Tour on first attempt

Despite being his DP World Tour debut, an ambitious Taiga Semikawa is ready to contend for the Singapore Classic title when the inaugural tournament gets underway at Laguna National Golf Resort Club on Thursday.

The 22-year-old, who's competing on a sponsor's exemption, believes he has what it takes to take on the European circuit regulars and make Japan proud.

Semikawa landed in Singapore this week with his confidence boosted following a brief yet fruitful stint on the PGA Tour last month.

In the three outings in the US, he managed to make two cuts by finishing an identical tied 67th at the Sony Open in Hawaii and Farmers Insurance Open two weeks ago.

"It is said that Japanese players are not as competitive when they compete overseas, so it will be up to us to prove the critics wrong by showing that we're capable of winning too," vowed Semikawa, who rose to stardom back home last year by winning the Japan Open and Panasonic Open.

"It's my first time competing in various countries at one go, so I hope to gain as much experience as I can.

"My first aim will be to make the cut and feature in all four days of the tournament."

Semikawa also hailed the alliance formed between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour with JGTO, which he hopes to take advantage of over the next couple of years.

The partnership has opened up access to the DP World Tour for JGTO members where its top three money leaders from the previous season get a conditional status to play in the circuit.

Starting this year, the DP World Tour also offers a direct pathway to the PGA Tour.

The leading 10 players on its final Race To Dubai Rankings will earn PGA Tour cards for the 2024 season.

"The partnership involving JGTO and the world's two biggest Tours has got me really excited. It's definitely a good development from my perspective as a JGTO member because I can now look forward to participating in more tournaments abroad."

Compatriot Rikuya Hoshino echoed Semikawa's sentiment, saying that he too is eager to make his presence felt on the DP World Tour by pushing for a victory.

Hoshino impressed in his first DP World Tour's full-field event appearance at Ras Al Khaimah Championship in UAE last week, finishing a laudable tied sixth place.

"One of my major goals for this year is to win on the DP World Tour. So, it was a really good start for me to come in T6 last week," said Hoshino, who finished second to Kazuki Higa in the last season's Money Rankings.

"I hope to build on the result last week. In fact, I wouldn't make this week's field had it not been for my result last week.

"Another good result will surely stand me in good stead if I want to secure a full status on the DP World Tour (by finishing top 110 on the Race to Dubai at the end of the season).

"I hope to make the European circuit as part of my playing schedule. Previously, I had the opportunity to play on the PGA Tour and other major tournaments, so being able to compete on the DP World Tour is an added incentive for me.

"In order to be one of the world's best, I need a lot of experience by playing on various Tours.

"Whilst travelling around the world to pursue excellence, I still intend to do well back home and add more JGTO titles to my collection!" added the seven-time JGTO winner.