Tournament article

Casio World Open 2018

Order of Merit race faces the climax this week

Shugo Imahira's chance of taking the Order of Merit title thickens this week. At the winner's prize money being 40 million yen, if he wins it's automatically Shugo's, but even he was tied to 3rd, he will take it down, depending on how the other top 6 on the Money List finishes.

Facing this big momentum, seems to be not affecting Shugo's mind nor behavior.
"I keep my body in shape and my golf in shape. Don't want to be tied up. I will just play as I always do."
Mikumu Horikawa, who was in the same group last week on the final round says, "Shugo probably has the strongest mental toughness amongst the tour players".
Shugo always has a poker face on, even have a smiley face on even in the toughest moments. Does even better under the pressure.

"Of course, I am nervous, but I guess it doesn't show on my face."

On Tuesday's practice round Shugo learned the short game tricks from 2-time Order of Merit winner Toru Taniguchi. Toru was making jokes saying, "I think Shugo is way too young to become the Order of Merit Title holder." Shugo just kept smiling.
"Anything unexpected could happen in golf. So, I guess there is some luck needed to become an Order of Merit title holder. I have my goal set on reaching the top 50 in World Ranking. If I work hard for that, the Money Title will eventually come along with it. I think."

All eyes are locked to see how Shugo will come through this week.