Tournament article

Golf Nippon Series JT Cup 2018

Shugo Imahira's size might be small, but a giant star was crowned a Order of Merit Title holder

The 2018 season ended today at the JT Cup. Runner-up Shaun Norris made 65 on the final round but not enough to turn the table around. Shugo Imahira captured the Order of Merit title, and wa praised by his mates. He smiled was still very quiet. His fiance stood beside him, commented "Even at these moments, Shugo is still calm. That really amazes me."

One of the top star young gun of the tour became the 3rd youngest King of the Japan Tour today at 26 years and 61 days. The youngest was Ryo Ishikawa at 18 years old and 80 days. Second is Hideki Matsuyama with 21 years old and 286 days.

"I though Order of Merit" title holder supposed to win many tournaments. He really wanted to win his second tournament at the final JT Cup to show that he was worthy of the honorable title. Isao Aoki has done that same miracle, only winning 1 tournament but has captured the Order of Merit.
"It doesn't matter if you only win once. What counts is that you are constantly doing well throughout the season to capture the title with even only 1 win. I want Shugo to be proud of himself" said Isao Aoki.

Shugo is only 165cm tall, but he is the one of the best ball strikers. His caddy, who has done the professional caddy for over 20 years and has worked with more than 50 players says, "Shugo strike the sweet spot 80% of the times. I never seen a player that perfect."
Shugo's physical trainer agrees. "He has super balancing power. He can hit the shots perfectly from any undulation."
Shugo strengthened his balancing power by running up the stairs to the observation deck near his house. He still does this training occasionally. He uses his weight to give load on himself. His trainer says it is best way to build up without hurting yourself from over weight training. Shugo also worked with his trainer to gain more range of motion (ROM). This enabled Shugo to have bigger swing ark and gain more distance. Shugo's average distance is 287.09 yards. He has gained stability and power.

His caddy says, Shugo has tremendous concentrating power. He sometimes doesn't hear what the caddy is telling him, since he is too concentrated. In other words, in the zone. 51 years old veteran caddy his so proud of his young master, who now became the King of the 2018 season.