20-21 season has restarted at Token Homemate Cup today. It has been 2 years to have this season opening tournament to be held, after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic. As always, it is verry nerve wrecking to start out on the season opening event. Ryousuke Kinoshita was no exception.
"I was pretty shaken up in the morning."

He was in the same groupings with Shugo Imahira and Shaun Norris, No.1 and No.2 of the 2019 Money Rankings.
"Shugo always plays so consistent. Hitting straight, easily darting the pin and simply makes the putt. But today it was different. Shugo made a huge miss shot on his 2nd at starting hole 10th, hitting so fat. I just couldn't believe that Shugo would make such a mistake. Shugo replied that he was nervous. I felt easy knowing that even Shugo gets nervous."

Actually, this was Ryousuke's first chance to play on the tournament along with Shugo.
"I simply thought that Shugo was like perfect golf machine, but I guess he was human too." I am glad to know that every player was feeling the same nervousness."

This must have made Ryousuke fell at ease, that led to 2 birdies on his front nine, then after the turn he made 3 straight birdies from the 3rd. He took another birdie on 8th and finished his first round with bogey free round of 65 and became solo leader for today.

He has been pushing hard on his muscle training since the off season in 2019.
"When I am under pressure, I tend to let my hand too much and push it left, that is the weak point. I have been through the swing adjustment for a while, and it is about 70% complete."

His ticket to British Open which he gained from finishing 6th on 2020 Singapore Open has been postponed due to the cancellation, but extra year may work in favor for Ryousuke. Last January at The Sony Open, his buddy from the junior days, Hideki hooked up for a practice round with Ryousuke.
"Hideki's iron shots were perfect. He let me take video of his swing and that is my precious bible now. I woke up at 5am through The Masters week to cheer for Hideki. I was really excited and overwhelmed to see same age long time buddy making a history. He answered my message really quick, and that make me so happy too. I am looking forward to seeing him at The British Open in July. I will ask him to book the practice round with me. So, I want to have at least 1 victory under my belt before seeing him."