The 1st Round at Sagamihara GC was pouring rain. Wet weather condition made the difficult course known with over 600 yards Par 5 on 3rd and over 500 yards Par 4 on 12th holes even tougher.

Nevertheless, of the tough conditions, 20 years old amateur Yuta Sugiura, currently Sophomore at Nippon University, smoothly made his way onto the top of the leader board with 5 birdies and a bogey performance.

This is Yuta's first round on this tough course. He did come to see the course with two of his seniors on the National Team. He is very motivated not to be left behind from all of the amateur star players such as Keita Nakajima, who is current No.1 ranking amateur, and Ren Yonezawa who was awarded with Lowest Amateur title 2 years ago on this tournament.
"I have seen so many talented amateurs play so well on professional tournaments, so I want to catch up to them."

Yuta was well prepared making notes and coloring his course book with red pen on the places he must avoid.
"Actually, everywhere over the green is colored red. I was able to stay out of the red zones today, so I didn't have many problems around the greens. I was able to save pars safely."

Yuta is the first winner of the junior tournament which Ryo Ishikawa hosts. The winner of that tournament is given a chance to play on the professional tournament.
"It is really difficult to play on the professional tournament as an amateur, but Ryo has given us opportunities. I thank him so much and grateful for giving us amateurs chances to learn a lot."

Ryo Ishikawa who has seen Yuta's improvements says, "He has many potentials. I think he will be top class even among the professionals."

Yuta is seeking to turning Pro 2 years from now.
"My goal is to do well on the professional tournament and eventually win someday."

That goal might be closer than he thinks.