Current No.1 on Japan Tour Money Rankings was relaxed an played on with his own rhythm even he was in the same group as No.1 long hitter on the US PGA Tour and, Japan's hero with 5 PGA wins.

"I think I finished very well for the Round 1" said Shugo. He started out with a birdie on 10th, same as Hideki, by making a 3-meter putt. On 12th, his ball was laying side by side with Cameron Champ's ball in the bunker, but he handled that trouble with no problem and saved par.

He also made 4-meter clutch putt on 15th to save par, and on 17th Par 3, where he couldn't get his tee shot to catch the green, but he made a great short game to 1-meter to save another par.

On his back nine, he made 4 birdies to close the day with bogey free 65, which is his record tie at Phoenix CC. Shugo finished at solo 2nd, 1 shot behind the leader.

This is first time that Shugo and Hideki has played in the same group as professionals. Hideki said at the press conference that "I remember losing to Shugo in my junior days, so I hope to win this time."

Shugo does have 1 shot lead over Hideki, but he says, "Hideki is on different level now. His shots were great, and he also made long putts. I was so impressed watching him play. I could not hit like him, but I will try to do my best to hang on."

Last week, amateur Takumi Kanaya has won the SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters and the first prize money was automatically sent down to the runner-up finish Shaun Norris, which made him jump up to No.2 on the Money Rankings. Shaun said on the interview that he is going to catch Shugo and will grab the Order of Merit title away from him.
"Shaun and I battled last year for that title until the very end, and I know he was ashamed that he couldn't get it. So, I can see that he is really after that title this year. But all I could do is to play my best on the last 3 tournaments."

Current No.1 Money Leader seems to be very cool and calm, no matter who he must fight against.