JGTPC Chairman Tanihara ready to bring global experience home 

The newly-elected chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Players Committee (JGTPC), Hideto Tanihara, intends to draw on his extensive overseas playing experience and urges his fellow members to do the same in a bid to make JGTO even bigger and stronger in years to come.

The 16-time JGTO winner believes that it would do the Tour a whole world of good if JGTPC could gather invaluable input from its members on improving various aspects of the Tour.

Tanihara, who played three full seasons on the European Tour from 2017-to 2019, believes the already-established JGTO still has plenty of potential to be tapped and hopes it will eventually attract more foreign players to spice up the competition here.

"That was the reason why I contested for the (JGTPC) chairmanship after returning to Japan," said Tanihara, after finishing tied 31st at the Token Homemate Cup today.

"I look forward to putting my experience cultivated through my experience playing abroad. 

“I want to make JGTO better by adopting some of the good points from other Tour and complementing them with what's already good in Japan.

"By doing that, I have no doubt that our Tour will become greater."

When asked what the areas he seeks to improve on for a start are, Tanihara said: "We need to increase the number of tournaments and get more crowd to come and watch us play.

"I also welcome all our international friends to share their views with us so that we can flourish together. They can either get in touch with the players' committee or JGTO."

Another seasoned campaigner, Yuta Ikeda, echoed Tanihara's sentiment by saying all JGTO members, both local and foreign, will reap the benefits of a more robust Tour together.

Ikeda, a winner of 21 JGTO titles, has referred to his friend Shaun Norris as a good example. 

The South African had recently achieved his career-breakthrough victory on European Tour by winning the Steyn City Championship on his home soil - which came after he established himself in Japan.

"Just look at Shaun. He came to Japan to play and won many titles (five to date). He got his confidence boosted and went on to win (on European Tour) last month," said Ikeda.

"Our Tour can be a stepping stone for all players, including the foreigners. I actually thought that the JGTO standard could be elevated further if we could get more foreign players to play here.

"We can grow together. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, things have become more complicated than before. Hopefully, when it eventually settles, things can go back to normal.

"Still, it's good to see many foreign players here at the Token Homemate Cup this week despite the difficulties."

Ikeda is also keen to put his knowledge gained from overseas stints to good use for the betterment of the Tour.

"I went to many overseas tours like PGA Tour, Asian Tour, and others. It was a good experience, and I had learned many things.

"I would love to go for more overseas competitions if I have a chance. Through these experiences, I plan to share them with others on things like the settings of tours and conditions of golf courses."

• 谷原秀人
• 池田勇太