Ryutaro Nagano has been using Bridgestone balls since his junior days. This week will be his 15th appearance at this tournament, counting from his 1st time back in 2006 as a student at Tohoku Fukushi University.

13th year professional played his 1R with 8 birdies and 2 bogey to card in 65 and became the co-leader for the round.
"I have lots of memories of this tournament, but to be honest, it is far from being favorite."

In 2016, he has finished as 4T, his best of this tournament, but has missed the cut 9 times, which makes the memories of the tournament unsweet.
"Especially on Par 5 2nd Hole, where the 2nd shot area makes a big curve, I have no idea where to aim. The greens there is so difficult to read. I think I have always made bogey there."

With his really bad impression of that hole, he felt as if it was a miracle when he drove his tee shot to the fairways and placed his 2nd shot from 100 yards to 1-meter for birdie today.
"I was so relieved and happy, I ended up making bogey on the next hole."

But he was able to make a bounce back birdie on 4th, which was big difference from past years. He went on making birdies on 6th, 8th, and 9th. He closed the round with 2 putt birdie to finish with 65.
"I was able to play in good flow all the way."

He lost against World No.1 Amateur Keita Nakajima in the playoff at Panasonic Open 2 weeks ago. His chance for the 1st victory was taken away, but it was his 2nd runner-up finish this season.

"I was always on the bubble, but with these good results I think I am in the safe zone being at 15th on the Money List now. Since my Tour Card is secured, I have room on my mind to take in my mistakes and think much simply now. It is really great to have some mental capacity."

His runner-up finish at Mizuno Open gave him the chance to play at The Open, his 1st Major Tournament.
"I was able gain confidence that I am working on the correct route. It is too early to say since it's only 1R, but there are invitation to ZOZO Championship given to top 3 players of this tournament, I want to be one of the member fighting for it at the Sunday back nine."