Rookie Suzuki shines on opening day of Sansan KBC Augusta

Rookie professional Kosuke Suzuki underlined his status as a rising star on the JGTO by leading the packed leaderboard after the opening round of the Sansan KBC Augusta on Thursday.

The 23-year-old shot a seven-under-par 65, with no fewer than 25 players within three shots of his lead. This group includes Filipino star Justin De Los Santos, who finds himself in an eight-way tie for second after carding a 66.

Defending champion Riki Kawamoto also made a strong impression on the opening day, shooting a 67 to tie for 10th.

A remarkable run of four birdies in his last five holes was the highlight of Suzuki's round. His bogey-free performance at Keya Golf Club in Fukuoka marked his first-ever lead on the JGTO.

Suzuki, who came to the fore after tying for second at the Asia-Pacific Open Diamond Cup last year, secured a conditional status to play in this season's JGTO due to his 30th place ranking in the 2022 QT.

He has made the most of each tournament opportunity, securing four top-10 finishes in eight outings to date, with his best result being a joint third at the Kansai Open.

These performances have positioned Suzuki at an impressive No. 14 on the money list and at the top of the current season's re-ranking list.

With his card for the next season all but guaranteed, Suzuki is setting his sights even higher, aiming to clinch his first Tour title.

"Initially, I had some reservations about the course. I aimed to simply make it to the top 10, which I felt would be an accomplishment," he said.

"However, having performed quite well, I'd love to claim victory' Still, the title isn't my main focus, succeeding by doing my best is what truly matters to me."

He also aspires to finish as high as possible on the money list.

"Before the season started, my primary goal was to secure a full exemption for next season (by finishing in the top 65), and I worked hard for it. I've somewhat achieved that, but my motivation remains strong," he said.

"Climbing higher in the ranks means more earnings. Ultimately, I want to be the prize money champion. However, I haven't reached that pinnacle yet. I often feel I'm not yet at my best, so my aim is to break into the top 10 and then steadily move up the rankings."

De Los Santos overcame the disappointment of missing the cut at the Yokohama Minato Championship with a bogey-free start that included six birdies.

The 27-year-old has consistently advanced to the weekend rounds, missing the cut just four times in 13 starts. However, he couldn't finish strongly enough to achieve the breakthrough he so deeply desired.

De Los Santos was tied for second with Takumi Kanaya—who is currently second on the money list—South Korea's Park Sung-joon (the 2013 winner), Tomofumi Ouchi, Tomoharu Otsuki, Mikumu Horikawa, Koumei Oda, and Kosuke Sunagawa.

Kanaya was thrilled to rejoin the prize money race after skipping the last leg two weeks ago.

During his absence, Keita Nakajima surpassed him, clinching the top spot by winning the Yokohama Minato Championship.

"I genuinely believe that if I perform well in every match, my rankings will improve," stated Kanaya, reflecting on his game where he overcame an early bogey by securing seven birdies, four of which were in the last five holes.

"The players at the top right now are all formidable, and many are from my generation," he continued. "I believe the level of play has elevated since I turned pro. Therefore, my aim is to give my all in every tournament and secure as many victories as I can."

Despite losing his top position, Kanaya remains undeterred. He plans to be strategic with his tournament scheduling, allowing for breaks when necessary.

"I'll be selective when planning my tournament schedule. I want to ensure that whenever I participate, I'm in peak condition. While I do care about the tournaments I miss, my priority is to give my best in the ones I choose to play in."

Leading first round scores:

65: Kosuke Suzuki;

66: Takumi Kanaya, Tomofumi Ouchi, Tomoharu Otsuki, Mikumu Horikawa, Koumei Oda, Kosuke Sunagawa, Park Sung-joon (Kor), Justin De Los Santos (Phi);

67: Riki Kawamoto, Tomoya Ikemura, Masanori Kobayashi, Yosuke Asaji.