2016 Bridgestone Open winner, Satoshi Kodaira is back this week to play on the Japan Tour since Fuji Sankei Classic last year. On Wednesday, as he came to the course he was welcomed by fellow players. It has been 4 years since he last appeared in Bridgestone Open.
"I believe I have gained 10 yards in average that I won back in 2016. My strategy on this course has changed since."

Satoshi won the RBC Heritage in 2018 and became 5th Japanese player to win on the US PGA Tour. He earned the Tour Card and has been playing on US PGA Tour since, but this year he couldn't keep it. Also, sad news came in just before his challenge at cub-tour's finals, Korn Ferry Tour Championship in September, that his beloved dog died.
"My sister and I got that dog for our mother on her birthday."

Then on practice round, his 1W broke.
"I couldn't believe why God will give me such hardship at this moment. I missed the cut, and it was over, but I told myself that this was my fate, and there must be a meaning to this. So, I will try to bounce back from here."

Satoshi will be playing on Korn Ferry Tour next season, and maybe some conditional chances on PGA Tour.
"If there is still chance for me to play in US, I have no other choice. My dream is to play on the US Tours. The golf environment is great, and I get to have the experience to feel the top-class performance firsthand. This opportunity is something I should never let go."

He will stay in Japan until the end of year and restart his US challenge from January. He came back in mid of September and stayed away from golf for full 2 weeks during his restraining period.
"I have been away from tournament for a month, so I will try to get my game back as I play this week. But this tournament will give out tickets of ZOZO Championship to top 3 finishes, so that will be my ultimate goal for this week."