Defending Champion Shugo Imahira decided to challenge for defending his title even though he must suffer many hardships. Shugo who has returned for The Masters will arrive at Miyazaki Prefecture on 18th night.

There should be 2 weeks of Self-restraint period for anyone who comes into Japan, but thanks to special measures given by the Japanese government and JOC/JPC, Shugo will be under "Athlete Track", which allows special measures for foreign and Japanese athletes certified by the JOC and the JPC who will join in international competitions, will gain the right to participate in the Games, test events, training camps and others.

Shugo arrived at Narita International Airport at 17:30 on 17th, undergoes PCR test, his result was negative and was allowed to go home in Yokohama.

Then he will take bullet train from New Yokohama station to Hakata, but he must buy extra seats around him. Total of 6 seats, including one next to him, and rows back and front of him. Then from Hakata station to Miyazaki, he must chart COVID-19 prevention designated car. For his accommodation, he must reserve the whole cottage building. He could only come out of the room to play and must stay in for every meals. Also, staff will be on watch to see if he is following these rules.

Even on the course, he must not get even close to any body except for his caddy and trainer. He cannot talk during his rounds. Must stay away from all of the players and staffs during the practice, so practice range and putting area was made just for him. As for media interviews, it will be done on remote from a tent just for Shugo.

His caddy, Mr. Kashiwagi had to memorize 8 pages of rulesl given by the tournament organizers. Both Shugo and caddy must wear masks even during his rounds, must keep distance from each other and never have direct contact. As for golf clubs caddy must not touch the grip, for balls he must place it on the towel, etc.

Since Shugo will not be able to have practice round, Mr. Kashiwagi walked through the course on behalf of Shugo.
"I will be meeting with Shugo at his practice range, but I don't know how it will turn out with so many strict rules. But I will support him since he chose to come here to defend his title. I will do everything possible to make him comfortable and concentrate on the game."

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