When Azuma Yano won back in 2008 at ANA Open, he was 31 years old. That year he also won the Bridgestone Open and was runner-up of the Order of Merit race, which was taken by Shingo Katayama. He was among the most talented players, also with handsome smile and great fashion sense. So many of the players admired him.

Now Azuma is 44 years old, but younger players still look up to him.
"He is so kind and also so cool."
His looks and gentle presence haven't changed a bit, but he did have ups and downs between these 13 years since he last won at ANA Open.

He lost his Tour Card in 2014 and gained it back in 2015.
"I had a bad habit to getting my hands and body too close since I want to control the ball and aim to strike the ball with the face of my club faster."
As he said that habit costed him to injure his right elbow and he decided to have surgery in June of 2017.
"I went under endoscopy. There were 5 holes and after the surgery, my arm was swollen like it was size of my thigh."
He went under strict rehabilitation and swing changes, and made a comeback win at last December' special QT and earned his way back to the Tour.

On his off-course life, he was married and blessed with 2 children, a girl and a boy. He also has been working along with a teaching pro to produce lesson studio which offers newest golf methods.
"My life as a professional golfer is one thing, and I must work hard on my business and also as a parent. My life is not 100% golf. The time that I could spend with my kids will fly by so quick, so I want to treasure it."
His 3 years old daughter and 1 year old son cries on the video phone to tell him to come home soon, and that breaks his heart.

Azuma played with 6 birdies and a bogey to score 67 on 3R, finished 2 shot behind the leader as solo 2nd.
"My score looks good, but content of my round was not good. I didn't feel confident from the morning practice. I just couldn't feel right on my timings."
He will be in the final group with Tomoharu Otsuki, who will be very young colleague from same Nippon University. It has been 5 years since he would be in the final group.
"Well, if I don't give up, there will be a way. Until then I must be patient. My goal for tomorrow is to score 4 under. If I could score 68, then I will be 100% satisfied with this year's ANA Open."