Norris gears up well for new JGTO season with joint runner-up finish at Jonsson Workwear Open

South Africa's Shaun Norris is hitting his peak just in time for the upcoming JGTO season, which is scheduled to kick off in three weeks with the Token Homemate Cup.

The 41-year-old achieved his best result of the year by finishing tied for second at the DP World Tour's Jonsson Workwear Open in South Africa last Sunday.

Norris carded rounds of 66, 66, 65, and 68 at Glendower Golf Club in Edenvale, wrapping up his campaign on 23-under 265, just three shots behind Italy's Matteo Manassero.

Currently preparing for his eighth full season on the JGTO, Norris aims to increase his current tally of six titles, with his latest victory at the Japan Open in 2021.

Although Norris faced challenges in the first half of last year's season, he bounced back strongly with two top-three finishes later on, securing third place at the ACN Championship and finishing runner-up at the Mynavi ABC Championship, ultimately ranking 24th in the JGTO Money Rankings.

Traditionally spending his off-season in his home country, Norris competes in Sunshine Tour events, including those co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour. He claimed his maiden DP World Tour victory at the Steyn City Championship in 2022.

Also competing at the Jonsson Workwear Open was Qatar Masters champion Rikuya Hoshino, who failed to make the cut after posting rounds of 70 and 75.

Meanwhile, on the PGA Tour, several Japanese players showcased their talent across two events.

At the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, Hideki Matsuyama secured a share of 12th place after a final round of four-over-par 76 at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Florida. Despite finishing at three-under 285, he trailed world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler by 12 shots in the event's 'Signature Event’.

In the Puerto Rico Open, Ryo Hisatsune achieved a respectable tied-18th finish, closing at 13-under 275 at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande. This marked his second top-20 finish in his rookie season following a T11 at The American Express.

The Puerto Rico Open was won by American Brice Garnett, who triumphed in a four-hole playoff against countryman Erik Barnes after both players finished the 72-hole regulation play on 269.

Taiga Semikawa also performed well, making his third cut in four PGA Tour starts this year, posting a total score of 279 for T49.

However, Satoshi Kodaira failed to advance to the weekend round.