Tournament article
ISPS HANDA Gatsu-n to tobase Tour tournament 2021
Japan's Legend Isao Aoki encourages Tomohiro Ishizaka that "I know you could win"
"It is my first time to play along with Chairman Aoki. It is an honor, but I couldn't sleep yesterday."
Tomohiro seemed to be stiff with nervousness as they started.
"I wanted to ask Chairman Aoki for some advice, but I couldn't."
He has so many questions ready but didn't have the guts to say them out loud.
"I just watched and learned. He could adjust his putting from any part of the green. It was amazing."
After the turn, it started to rain.
"I was having tough time controlling the distance on my iron shots. Then Chairman Aoki suddenly said, don't worry because you have great putting. I was so happy being praised by him."
Last November at Dunlop Phoenix, Tomohiro battled out with Takumi Kanaya, both university students at that time, and became runner-up. He has been playing well this season and resulted in 6 Top 10 finishes so far. He has successfully attained the Tour Card on his rookie year. Only goal left is accomplishing his 1st Tour victory.
At the end of the round, Chairman Aoki said to him.
"I know you could win."
Great encouragement from the legend gave him a big boost toward tomorrow's 1st Round.