Tournament article
Panasonic Open Golf Championship 2019
Last week's "Shinhan Donghae Open" winner Jbe Kruger is ready to make a big leap for his dream
Last week's "Shinhan Donghae Open" in Korea was won by Jbe Kruger from South Africa, who is 158 cm in height.
"Everyone back home in South Africa is huge like Shaun. I feel tiny there, but in Japan, I feel a bit comfortable" laughed Jbe.
Jbe didn't know whether he could come to "Panasonic Open" prior to the Korea event.
"I was second runner up on the waiting list. I was hoping to be called in, so I was ready to come, but I was invited as the last week's winner instead. That's amazing don't you think?"
Right after his victory on Sunday, he signed in as the member for Japan Tour and flew from Korea to Japan on that same day. He asked for the assistance from his country's 4 years senior Shaun Norris to get all settle with the Japanese management company, which got his accommodation and everything to be needed to enter this week's tournament.
"I have been too busy and didn't have time for good Japanese meal yet, but the food at convenient shops are good enough. Japanese convenient shops are really great. They have everything and it's amazing!"
Last week's win was his 2nd in Asian Tour and 1st for the Japan Tour.
"New doors have opened up for me!" says Jbe with enthusiastic gesture.
He intends to stay in Japan and aim to gain the rights for WGC "HMBC Championship" and US PGA co-sanctioned "ZOZO Championship"
"If I could go on and win 2 weeks in a row? WOW, that will give me so many possibilities and that will be thrilling."
Just 1 week, 1 tournament victory has made a big jump for Jbe's professional life. And it could even get bigger and better this week.