41 years old Yusaku Miyazato made biggest move on Sunday by scoring the course record 63. He started as 11T, 6 shots behind the leader. Yusaku made 3 birdies in a row from 5th to 7th, added few more birdies in between and closed the round with another 3 peat from 16th to 18th. He played bogey free round with 9 birdies to total 17 under and became club house leader for a moment.
Kenshiro Ikegami, who is Yusaku's university senior, played alongside today. It is Kenshiro's 8th year as professional, and he succeeded in attaining the Tour Card for the first time with becoming 59th on the Money Rankings.
"Yusaku's performance is very steady, and he has great short game. It was fun watching him play so perfectly."
After returning from his challenge at EPGA Tours in 2018-2019 season, world was haunted by the pandemic. Yusaku himself was infected in August and took him a while to get back. When he got back on the course, now his putting was out of control and made him suffer but changing to bloomstick putter made big difference. He finished as 4th in Dunlop Phoenix last week, and this week he made his best finish at 2T.
Yusaku's Money Rankings made a big jump to 26th from 44th. Suddenly he got eligible to be invited to JT Cup next week. A prestige stage set only for 30 players who are either season's winners or top Money Ranking players.
I was thinking I must play 9 under today to be in JT Cup. I never thought I could accomplish it but surprisingly I did. I am the one who is most amazed. "
In 2013, Yusaku made chip-in birdie on the final 18th and made dramatic come from behind win. In 2017, he was 2nd on the Money Rankings as week started and won by flipping 6 strokes deficit and took away the Order of Merit title.
"I really never thought I would be able play next week, so I have already sent my suitcase back home. I must go home once and prep for next week ASAP."