Katsumasa Miyamoto and a bit elder Hiroyuki Fujita, both are brotherly buddies on same Team Serizawa, and their mentor is famous Nobuo Serizawa from this Gotemba City, where the SMC VISA Taiheiyo Masters home city is located. Both of them moved to Shizuoka Prefecture to be closer to their mentor. Along with Nobuo, Hiroyuki and Katsumasa has been making appearance at this tournament. But Nobuo Serizawa retired from SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters in 2019, and now Hiroyuki Fujita is having trouble on his golf, and he is on the border line on the Money Rankings.
"I wanted to stay active on the Regular Tour until Katsumasa joined me on the Senior Tour, but my time on the Regular Tour might be over this season."
Hiroyuki does have one ticket he could use, "Top 25 on the Career Earrings", which a designated professional could use only once. But as a professional, achieving the Tour Card on his own prize money is the respected way.
"There is no one my age on this Tour, so I think I have done enough."
Hiroyuki has been on the Regular Tour for consecutive 24 seasons, which is the longest among the current active players tied with Shingo Katayama, who has Lifetime exemption.
"All I know for now it that I will play my best this week too."
After the Pro-Am game, both stayed a while to do some practice and went to their mentor's house, which is just 10 minutes' drive from the course. Today, November 10 this Nobuo's 62nd birthday. Every year, Nobuo's apprentices gathered to make big celebration, but due to pandemic, Nobuo declined any gatherings from last year.
"So, we will just go to say, our congratulating thoughts and go home."
Katsumasa has been playing well this season, having 2nd finish in spring game, and now he is at 31st on the Money Rankings.
"But nowadays, I am barely making the cutline. If I could get some advice from my mentor, maybe it would help me through this week."
After moving to Gotemba City, Katsumasa has been chosen as Tourism Goodwill Ambassador along with Nobuo.
"I am so glad that we could have spectators this year. Please enjoy our exciting golf. Also, for those who came to enjoy shopping at the outlet, please stop by the course too."