27 years old Tomoyasu Sugihara shoots 66 to finish at 3T on his first challenge at JT Cup.
"This is a tournament I really desire to be in, but never thought I would be in it this soon. I am so grateful that I was given this chance", bowed politely.

Tomoyasu sits at 32nd on the Money Ranking, but 2 players were not qualified for their reasons and the last 30th slot was given to Tomoyasu.
"Only the elected, special top-class players are allowed to play here. This tournament has great history and honor. I am really overwhelmed to be here this week."

Tomoyasu was born in Yokohama City, started to play golf with his grand mother's influence. In his junior days, he was runner-up in Kanto Area Junior High School Championship. He went to same Meitoku High School as Hideki Matsuyama.
"I really admire Hideki. He is 2 grades elder than me. He gave me so much influence. Now he is one of top players in the world, so unreachable."

He was recruited to Lakewood Golf Club, and on off days, he gives lessons and work on other golf course matters.
"I am a proud working staff of the course, so I have learned to be polite. I have experienced the hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic on my home course. I can imagine how difficult it is for Tokyo Yomiuri to hold this tournament under these circumstances. I cannot appreciate enough."

Tomoyasu was notified that he will be in the JT Cup field on Monday last week. The member of his golf course who also knew the Tokyo Yomiuri course well, showed Tomoyasu how to build the strategy against this course. He went through all the pin positions from past years and prepared.

All of his effort worked, as he made his 2nd shot from 157 yards to hit the pin directly on 10th for a tap-in birdie. He got stuck in the right-side roughs on the Par 3 18th, but managed to get it to 2.5-meters and save par.

He was in the same grouping with Shingo Katayama, who also was kind to play the practice round with him yesterday.
"Shingo was very kind and gave me tips. He also gave advices on my swings. That really helped. I am just so grateful that I am able to play this week. So, I will play every shot with appreciation and keep up the good work."