Dong-Kyu Jang played with 7 birdies and a bogey to score 65, became the co-leader for the 1R at Bridgestone Open with 6 under Par. His best finish this season was ANA Open last month at 7T. Since then, he says his shots are feeling pretty good, but "putts didn't fall in". This week, his putter was improved with shifting his mind set.
"I was too conscience about the line of the putt, but after I started to fucus on the distance of the putt, it started to roll in."

"I really want to win this week."
Dong-Kyu aims to make his 2nd Japan Tour victory, which he has been away for 7 years now. He is motivated because top 3 players of this tournament will receive the invitation to US PGA Tour and JGTO co-sanctioned ZOZO Championship.

Dong-Kyu Jang has made appearance on The Open in 2014 and 2019, but he couldn't make the cutline.
"I am much better player now, so I want to have the chance to challenge my ability on the higher standard. I wish to watch world top long hitters like Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm and maybe Bryson DeChambeau if he decides to come."

He also heard the rumor that Kyoung-Hoon Lee, who made 2V on Japan Tour and climb up from US cub-tour to the PGA Tour and accomplished to win at the AT&T Bryon Nelson in May might join the ZOZO Championship.
"Kyoung-Hoon is 3 years younger than me, but I have known him since our junior days. I know he has become really great. If I could meet him, it would be 5 years since we last met."

Reunion with is old friend, and also ZOZO Championship's 2nd day, October 22nd being his 33rd birthday is another reason he is really motivated to win this week.