It was very sudden notice, but Taiga Sugihara decided to become professional ASPA. He finished as 8T at last week's SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters and played his last tournament as an amateur. His next schedule was to challenge for QT 3rd at the end of this month, but suddenly JGTO notified Taiga, that if he becomes professional right away, he will receive the invitation to this week's Dunlop Phoenix Open with the exemption permit given to the Top 10 finish results.

He talked this over with his coach and parents.

"I don't this this chance is very rare, and I should not let it go. It is fortunate to have the chance to gain more experience on the big tournament like this. My coach was all supportive and told me to go right away."

His parents were also positive about their son's decision. So, with big surprise Taiga turned professional on 15bth, and will be making debut appearance this week.

"My outfit and caddy bag will be the same university team's ones. Also, as for the performance, what I need to do and must do is same, even I become professional. I must be focused on my game and built it up to a good result."

Taiga already finished 3 times in Top 10 this season. His debut tournament will be well-known tough course, but on his first appearance last year, he played for full 4 rounds and scored total 5 under to finish at 27th.

Even he has turned professional, his privilege given to enter QT 3rd will remain. But if he wins this week, he doesn't even have to go through QT.

"If I could win that will be more than wonderful. But I know from the experience on the professional tournaments, that is not easy. So, I don't want to place too much pressure on me."

After making the entry registration, he received the Tour professional badge, which is still rental.

"I must return this after this week is over. I want to succeed in becoming the official Tour member and have my own with my name engraved. "

Last week, his average distance was 326.25 and became No.1.

"My strong point is distance, so I want to be recognized about that. I want to become a player that many fans will want to go see live at the tournament courses."