Naoki Sekito went out on the practice round and was getting a wonderful flash back memory from last year.
"I was remembering the places where I shot from and recalled good memories during my round."

Inaugural event was scheduled last year, but with the pandemic it was postponed, and exhibition game was held instead. Naoki made the best of that chance and won. This victory gave Naoki the sponsor invitations to ZOZO Championship in US last October.
"The exhibition event gave me the chance to be recognized. It feels really fast for a full year to pass so quickly."

Since last year was an exhibition event, Naoki himself didn't consider himself as a defending champion, but "when I got here many called me a defending champion. I became aware that I am a part of such a big tournament".

Naoki has been struggling this season, as he has not been able to make the cutline for the past 4 tournaments.
"My tees shots can't find the fairways, and my G.I.R is bad. My short games are okay but my putting is worse."

Since he is not on his A game, he is not making big promises.
"First of all, I must play well for the first 2 day to get myself into the weekends. Then I will try to play well to be in contention on Sunday afternoon."