2024 JGTO season returns to full swing

As anticipation builds towards the eagerly awaited commencement of the Token Homemate Cup this Thursday, the international editorial team at JGTO is gearing up to uncover the intriguing storylines that could unfold throughout this upcoming 2024 JGTO season.

Can Keita Nakajima defend his prize money king title?

Nakajima, who won three titles last year, will attempt to defend his prize money king title, a feat accomplished by only a few players in Tour history.

Shugo Imahira was the most recent player to top the money rankings for two consecutive seasons in 2018 and 2019.

But since the Tour began in 1973, only four other players—Masashi 'Jumbo' Ozaki, Isao Aoki, Tsuneyuki Nakajima, and Shingo Katayama—have managed to win the title for two successive seasons or more.

For Nakajima to achieve his ambitious goal, he must turn his trips back home into impressive performances, all while juggling his playing schedule between the JGTO and DP World Tour.

Successfully defending his prize money king title would undoubtedly enhance his reputation even further.

More young stars to establish themselves as JGTO elites?

The trend of talented under-25 players breaking through on the Tour is increasingly apparent, with Yuta Sugiura and Kensei Hirata being the latest to rise through the ranks.

Following in the footsteps of Taiga Semikawa, Yuto Katsuragawa, Riki Kawamoto, and Kaito Onishi, who left their mark in the 2022 season, Sugiura (22) made history as an amateur at the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament.

He became the first-ever amateur champion in the event’s 50th edition and also the seventh amateur winner in JGTO history. Shortly after this remarkable achievement, Sugiura turned professional.

Meanwhile, Hirata (23), in only his second full season, made a significant impact last year by securing not only his maiden title at the Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open but also the Japan PGA Championship two months later.

Who are the next rising stars to watch out for?

Japanese contingent eye redemption in co-sanctioned events

Japanese pride will be on the line as the ISPS HANDA Championship and Hana Bank Invitational return in April and June respectively.

The ISPS HANDA Championship will be held at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course, while the Hana Bank Invitational will return to South Korea, hosted at Nam Chun Cheon Country Club after its debut in Japan last year.

The Japanese contingent will be determined to make their mark after falling short in both tournaments previously. In the ISPS HANDA Championship, Hiroshi Iwata was the highest-placed Japanese player in joint fourth place, with the title claimed by Australia’s Lucas Herbert.

Similarly, in the Hana Bank Invitational, Keita Nakajima finished as the runner-up, narrowly missing out on the victory to South Korea’s Yang Ji-ho by just one shot.

Rejuvenated Song Young-han and Shaun Norris poised to lead international challenge

Last season saw a relatively quiet performance from international players, but anticipation is high for a stronger showing this time around.

Keep an eye on South Korea's Song Young-han, who is set to capitalize on his career-best season on the JGTO circuit, finishing fourth in the money list. Ending a seven-year title drought with a victory at the Sansan KBC Augusta, Song showcased his prowess with five additional runner-up finishes.

Shaun Norris, after a challenging start to the season, reminded his competitors of his capabilities with impressive late-season performances, securing two top-three finishes at the ACN Championship and Mynavi ABC Championship. With a recent runner-up finish at the DP World Tour's Jonsson Workwear Open, Norris aims to maintain his momentum in Japan.

Norris has his sights set on adding to his impressive resume, which includes his sixth title highlighted by victories at the 2021 Japan Open and the 2017 JGT Championship Mori Building Cup.

Seasoned veterans like Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines, Jbe Kruger of South Africa, and Australia's Brad Kennedy should not be overlooked.

Pagunsan and Kruger both triumphed last year, with Pagunsan winning the Golf Partner Pro-Am Tournament and Kruger securing victory at the Shigeo Nagashima Invitational Sega Sammy Cup.

Dark horses Justin De Los Santos from the Philippines and Anthony Quayle from Australia. Both are poised to continue their pursuit of a breakthrough title on the JGTO.