Satoshi Kodaira has 1 US PGA Tour and 7 Japan Tour victories, including 2015 Japan Open. He finished as solo 2nd but has 5 shots deficit with total of 13 under after 3R.

Great "Shark", Greg Norman has helped out in renovating the Biwako CC for this year's Japan Open, and it has many unique and tough holes such as 221 yards elevated Par 3 2nd.

Satoshi started out as 3T with 1 shot behind. He was saving pars and waited for his chance to come. But on 8th, his tee shot was caught in the deep roughs and bogey came first.
"That bogey clicked my fighting spirit, and I told myself to go aggressive."
From next hole, he went on making 3 straight birdies.

On Par 5 16th, he recalled, "Par 5s are only birdie chances I could have in the US Tours. It's same in Japan, Par 5s are the chance holes".
He showed his technic by making deep hook ball from 200 yards avoiding the tree lines and caught the green in two. He couldn't make the eagle, but made easy birdie, making 2 in a row from 15th.

But he failed to save par on final 18th by missing less than 1-meter putt.
"That putt was regretful. I have 5 shots deficit and it is difficult to catch up. But I must make as many birdies as I could tomorrow and place much pressure onto Shaun."

Satoshi was also enjoying the Japanese fans, since he was away for quite a while.
"I was playing in US for long time, so I though many fans had forgotten about me. But I am grateful that so many cheered and applauded for me today."

His beloved wife and former JLPGA Order of Merit Champion, Miho was among the fans.
"She wanted to see me play since we have been apart since I was in US. I am happy to have played in front of her, since I am leaving her to stay alone in Japan for long time."

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