Tournament article
HEIWA PGM CHAMPIONSHIP 2019
The secret for Katsumasa Miyamoto's power is his driving distance, some liquor and birthday
47 years old Katsumasa Miyamoto has blown away the strong Okinawa ocean wind by scoring 66 on the Round 1 of the Heiwa PGM Championship. He started out making a birdie on Par 5 1st, then he out drove the longest hitter on the Tour, Chan Kim on the Par 4 3rd.
"That felt great!" said Katsumasa as he over drove the 2 years is a row No.1 Driving Distance Champion since 2016, Chan Kim.
Actually, this was the only time he out drove Chan Kim, but Katsumasa said, "I am really happy with that one." Chan Kim replied, "It is amazing for 47 years old. His physical age must be 25."
Katsumasa has changed his ball to the new series by his sponsor Bridgestone.
"The new ball has added initial velocity to my driving abilities. That is reason for being able to out drive Chan Kim."
On that hole Katsumasa out drove Chan Kim, he went on to make the 10-meter birdie putt to close the hole.
"After that miracle drive, it was difficult all the way through. Couldn't get on the roll here, this course is too harsh to give us any breaks. Playing bogey free is almost miracle here."
But he made 3 straight birdies from 3 to 5 and ended his round with bogeyless 5 under par and became 1 member of 4 players at the top of the leaderboard.
"I think everything went well for me today."
In his younger days, he used to drink after his rounds, but nowadays, he likes to drink at home during his supper time. He tasted awamori, strong Okinawan liquor 2 nights ago.
"Awamori was too strong for me even on the rocks. So yesterday I chose Orion Beer."
Little bit of liquor seems to be "gasoline for power play".
"When we get older like me, the power won't last for 4 days, exception is Hiroyuki Fujita, he is not an ordinary 50 years old. But seeing him do such a great play makes me want to work harder."
Coming Sunday November 10, the finishing day of the tournament is his master Nobuo Srizawa's birthday.
"I would like to win for my master to boost up the birthday celebration."
May be simple, but a good reason to fight hard for his 2nd win this season.