No matter there was non-spectator event, Toru Taniguchi finished his round making a big fist pump right after making a 10-meter birdie putt on his final 9th hole.

On the "monster course", senior player Toru Taniguchi marked 3 under 67 to finish at 2T after R1 at this week's Major, Japan Open.
He played along with Daichi Sato and Daiki Imano both in their 20s, "they are both my son's age, but I was able to show them the old man's pride" smiled Toru.

Due to the pandemic, most of the Regular Tour is cancelled, so he has been fighting his battle on Senior Tour.
"I forgot that the speed of the green is so much different than Senior Tour, so I had hard time adjusting my putts for a while, but I think I am back with my touch."

His birdie chance putt stopped by the fringe of the cup at 7th, then he realized about the reason for his miss.
"I changed my stance wider, then on 8th hole I was able to drain that 2-meter for a birdie."

Which was also followed by another birdie that closed the day.

"I am 52 years old, but I don't get worn out much lately after the round. I think it's because my adrenalin is low without the spectators."

Toru has won this tournament twice in 2004 and 2007.
"At this course you must keep the fairways, if not it's almost unplayable. I am pretty happy that I was able to score under Par at least for 1 round this week."

He spoke in a modest way but if Toru wins this week, it will be his V3 at this Major and he will be renewing the Age Record since 1963.
(Record for oldest player to win at Japan Open:in 1963 by Toichiro Toda at age of 48years and 302 days)

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