Rookie Taisei Shizumi got his name up on the top of the leaderboard among the 3-way tie as provisional co-leaders.

Taisei Shimizu, 22 years old from Fukuoka Prefecture, where this week's Sansa KBC Augusta is held.
"I was given the privilege to be a part of the tournament held in my hometown, so I want to make good result. I am really motivated. I am glad that my game got better and was able to prepare well by yesterday."

He showed his brushed-up technics on 2 of the Par 5s today. He darted his 2nd shot to 2.5-meter with his 5W on 6th (534 yards) for eagle, and also on 18th (556 yards) he got to right side of the green in two and chipped in for eagle.

He started to learn golf at age of 9. He was taught by same coach as Ryuko Tokimatsu, the Players Chairman, and has same baseball grip.

He went to high school known for having top-class sports teams, but they didn't have golf team. He was on his own, but he was making great results as an amateur. In 2016, in his Senior year in high school, he made appearance at this tournament. He was 4T after 2R, he eventually plunges to 61T, but he was awarded with Lowest Amateur.

"I gained 5cm in height and 10kg in weight. I ate and trained a lot."
He was known to be a big hitter, but he gained plus 20 yards now.

Keya GC went under major reconstruction and, now it is 107 yards longer in total.
"But I don't really feel that it got longer. Since this is my home ground and I am receiving many cheers, I want to play aggressive and challenge to win."