Tournament article

Golf Nippon Series JT Cup 2018

Satoshi Kodaira won the 3-way playoff to get his 7th victory

Satoshi Kodaira has done his long-awaited victory at 2018 JT Cup today, with his loving wife at his side. Last 2 holes of his final round was marvelous. On par 5 17th, he had 220 yards left for his second shot, and got it to 6-meters to the pin. Easy birdie got him to catch the leader. On the final par 3 18th, which haunted him so many times before, his shot by 4 Iron got to 2 meters to the pin, and he made a par save to card in as one of co-leaders.

Satoshi lost to Yusaku Miyazato last year and also the Order of Merit title slipped away. 2 years ago, Satoshi bogeyed and his failed to win by 1 stroke.
"I played JT Cup 6 times, and always had a regretful memory at the 18th hole."

He finally conquered the 18th hole with a birdie on the 1st round this season.
"I played the 18th 5 times this week and my score for the hole is 1 under. I feel like I have finally accomplished something with that hole now."
Satoshi was the only one to save par on the playoff 18th. Which gave him the long-awaited victory at this tournament.

When Satoshi won, his loving wife Miho rushed to him and jumped into his arms. His lovely wife was in tears.
"She didn't cry when I won before, so I was surprised to see her cry so much."

His wife was also surprised to hear the pressure he was going through playing in USPGA Tour.
"He doesn't show his weakness much. I though he was having fun playing in USPGA."

"US players are so much better, in distance and trajectory. I have seen so many great players and I felt like I was not good enough."
He feels that he is playing well enough to win, if it was in Japan Tour, but in USPGA he ends up in 30-40th.
"Result is everything in golf. You must make results."
He kept on missing the cut, which made him lost. But his caddy gave him a lead" play it simple". Satoshi remembered that he was playing simple and even having fun when he won the US Tour. With that golden advice, Satoshi gained his game back. And this victory was the best enhancement he could give to himself.