Tournament article
Golf Nippon Series JT Cup 2019
Aka "Gen-chan" Ryoko Tokimatsu won't let the season come to end without a win
"I know every player here wants to win, but I think I am the one who wants it the most."
He is aiming to win at the season finale to grab his first victory of the year. He marked 66 on the freezing R3, became the co-leader along with Jung-Gon Hwang.
"It was really freezing, and it seemed like I lost at least 10 yards today, so I was constantly discussing the yardages with my caddy. We planned the course management really carefully today. Overall, my putting helped me out great today."
As he commented, he made a 5-meter on 1st for a birdie start, then made a 8-meter on 3rd, made a chip in on 5th and, another one followed right after at 6th with draining 5-meter. These 4 birdies on his front nine gave him the boost.
The season finale Golf Nippon Series is only open to the elite 30 players.
"I wasn't able to win this year, but I made into the top 30, so I would like to praise myself. At the same time, I am ashamed that I couldn't win even I had few chances."
He has been winning 1 tournament each year since 2016. He also made into the JT Cup 4 years in a row, which is something to be proud of. But being winless is haunting him.
"I was praised by fellow players that I have been winning every year, but this season I really learned how difficult it is to win. Some say, if you don't win 2nd runner-up means nothing, but I feel that 2nd is also good enough. But may be that kind of mentality is keeping me away from winning. I think if I think too much about winning, the chances fade away. I can't think aggressive."
He says, bogey on 13th got him depressed, but birdies on 14th and 17th helped him get back on his feet.
"I got myself back in the winner's circle."
If he wins, it will provide him 3 years exemption and Major Title.
"I just want to win a tournament this season, no matter of the titles, I need to win."