5th year professional, Yuta Uetake made bogey free 6 birdies round to score 65, finished 1 shot shy at solo 2nd on 1R. He started from 10th tee today, and made 10-meter birdie putt on 11th, soon after his start. His putt was how all through the round and that also led to great shots.
"I didn't face any trouble today and was able to make the round bogey free."

He was on the waiting list at last week's ZOZO Championship. He waited for his chance by the course, but his turn didn't come. He finished as 4th at Bridgestone Open, only Top 3 was offered with the invitation, but if any of them WD, his chance could have happened.

Although he wasn't able to participate, he was able to feel the PGA setting course and also the world top class players performances up close, since he stayed until the last group teed off on 1R.
"It was my first experience to be at the PGA setting course. I was able to see so many great players and learned so much."

Yuta was at the course from Tuesday, and during his stay, he was picking up tips and hints from all of the players he saw. One big achievement was seeing US PGA players putting practice before their start.
"I usually use rail guidance for my putting practice, but I saw US PGA players using different checking devices. It focused on the how to align the putter face correctly. Players putting postures and strokes differ so much, but since their alignment are perfect, they could make the putts from anywhere. I never consider that before, but now I have taken into my practice. I was also very astonished at the practice ranges. I was just so amazed to see the Hideki Matsuyama's trajectory. He is my university senior, but he has gotten so much greater. Hideki playing so well on that tough course and winning is really something else. I wish ZOZO will host the tournament back in Japan next year. I would like to prepare from now to be able to attend that big stage."

Yuta is currently 47th on the Money List. He is getting close to attaining his first Tour Card, but out of 6 tournaments remaining this season, he has only received sponsor invitation for Dunlop Phoenix and Casio World Open.

His newly wed wife says, "first please succeed in making the cutline this week".
"I want to make a great result in remaining tournaments. I need to win."