Eric Sugimoto has made 7 hole-in-one's in his junior and college days, but this was his first as a professional. 27 years old has made his first hole-in-one in his 5th year as a Pro at 180 yards 3rd Hole.
"Wind was coming from the west, so I decided to hit it fade with 5I and let the wind take it. I knew I hit it well, but I couldn't see because the bunker edge was blocking my view. Daiki Konno cried out that it went in. But somehow, I didn't trust him first. I checked around the fringe, but my ball was at the bottom of the cup."

3rd Hole wasn't designated Hole-in-one award hole, but sponsors was showed great spirit by presenting him 300,000-yen prize money.
"I couldn't believe it. I am so grateful. I will go to have a delicious meal with my girlfriend and for the rest, I will put it in my savings."

Eric was born in Chiba Prefecture, but moved to San Diego at the age of 1. He has graduated from University of Southern California and turned Pro in 2016. For his first 2 years, he played in PGA Tour Latin America. He first came to Japan Tour in 2017, and now fighting his way into the Regular Tour.

He stayed in US waiting for the Japan Tour to start, then came back in September. He has been in both Abema Tour and Regular Tour playing 7 tournaments this season, but his results are not so satisfying so far.

"I must best of this goof fortune and do better in the weekends."

Eric's parents are both Japanese and he also has Japanese name Takuya, but he is of course fluent in English and very native in his gestures too. He will be in same grouping as Shugo Imahira on 3rd Round.