Recently every week, amateurs are on the contention at professional tournaments. This week it was Keita Nakajima sophomore at Nippon Sport Science University and Ren Yonezawa junior at Tohoku Fukshi University both finished at 8T and received Lowest Amateur Award.

These 2 have been good friends and even more a strong rivals. Until 2 weeks ago, Ren was at 13th on World's Amateur Rankings, top as a Japanese player. But last week Keita finished as solo 3rd at SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters and jumped up his rank from 15th to 3rd in the world.

"I was placed under really big pressure as Keita skipped me over and became 3rd. I knew I had to do better, but my results didn't turn out as I wanted, and I was feeling down. Then I recognized that I had too much strength on my swings at the practice range before the 3rd Round. I think I was putting too much pressure on me and my body wasn't moving freely. So, I decided not to think too much and let it be, then I was able to score 63 on the Final Round."

This marvelous score jumped Ren from 37T to 8T to be awarded with Lowest Amateur along with Keita. Ren also commented how proud he was being on the same awarding stage with his senior at the same university Takumi Kanaya.

"Takumi has taken really good care of us. He could really be depending upon. His personality hasn't changed a bit since he has turned Pro, he is still our big brother. And his strength as a player has grown bigger. He is always in contention even after he turned Pro and today, he fought unbeatable against another tough player. The way he won was with a style. I really admire him."

Ren and Keita, both must have foreseen their future in Takumi's success. So many talented 20s in the field, new era has actually begun in Japan Tour.