Toshinori Muto had to wait a year to have the chance to defend his title at Panasonic Open.
"We had 1 year to wait, but I am grateful to be back here as the Defending Champion."

In 2019, Panasonic Open was held at Higashi Hirono GC in Hyogo Prefecture, where Toshinori battled tough against Shugo Imahira, Ryo Ishikawa and Jazz Janewattananond from Thailand, and took away the victory.
"To come to think of it, I am honestly amazed to have won against such a strong 3 players like them. I guess my game back then was that great. I am happy that I get to brag that I have won against those 3 talented players."

Last year, not only this Panasonic Open, but many other tournaments were cancelled.
"I never thought that having tournament every year was such a privilege. We took the honor of having the tournament held for granted. So, last year I was lost, not having to do anything else. I couldn't even find the meaning to practice since there were no tournaments. We professional golfer cannot exist without tournaments. "

Finally, after a year, he has the chance to defend his title, but unfortunately this week is non-spectator event.

Panasonic Open usually provides many events during the tournament to engage the professionals with junior golfers. But this year, interview event with Defending Champion and local high school students, and golf lessons by the local college golfers will all be online.

Toshinori said, it is so sad that the interview had to be online.
"We professional need spectators to cheer for us and congratulate us when we win. But this this pandemic, spectators are not allowed to come to the course. So, even we play great there is no one calling out good shot or giving applauds. We really miss the spectators and realize how important they are to us."

Juniors on the other side of the screen cheered to Toshinori that they will be rooting for him through boradcasts.
He earned multiple year Tour Seed with his 2019's victory, so now he is onto making his swing adjustments. He seems to be struggling and has been missing the cutline often. His best finish this year is 47T at Kansai Open in May. He is in hundreds on the Money Rankings although the prolonged 20-21 season is going towards the end.
"Many fans are sending warm words to me. I am struggling but I know the solution is near. I hope I could make good result this week."

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