Pagunsan aims to continue winning run at Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open

Philippines star Juvic Pagunsan will aim to continue his rich vein of form as he seeks to make it two wins in a row by reclaiming the Gateway to The Open Mizuno Open title this week.

Riding high after claiming his second JGTO title at the Golf Partner Pro-Am Tournament last week, the 45-year-old Pagunsan is looking to contend again at JFE Setonaikai Golf Club in Okayama, the venue where he secured his JGTO breakthrough in 2021, 11 years after starting his career in Japan.

A lot is at stake as four coveted tickets to the 2023 Open Championship are up for grabs in the ¥80,000,000 tournament, which is part of the Open Qualifying Series.

The top four finishers this week who have not yet qualified will earn their place in the fourth and final Major event of the year, to be played at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club from July 20-23.

JGTO members can count their blessings, as the Mizuno Open has been part of the Open Qualifying Series since 1998, in addition to the other existing qualifying avenues through JGTO Money Rankings and the Japan Open.

This year, the tournament serves as one of the three exclusive qualifying sites in Asia, alongside the World City Championship in Hong Kong in March and next month's Kolon Korea Open.

All eyes will surely be on the in-form Pagunsan if he can pull off yet another sensational victory.

Two years ago, Pagunsan made headlines worldwide by emerging triumphant without a caddie and playing with just 11 clubs.

For his last week's triumph, Pagunsan had all the 14 clubs with him this time but he stood out stole by going caddie-less.

The question is, can he do it solo again this week?

"I chose not to have a caddie. Currently, it's challenging for me to find a travelling caddie. I have 14 clubs with me this time, but that's not a concern because I can use an electric cart. It's very convenient," said Pagunsan.

"There isn't much difference whether I have a caddie or not. Having a caddie takes care of various things, and being too comfortable can be a disadvantage.

"I like doing things on my own, so that's one of the reasons I chose not to have a caddie."

With two titles under his belt in the past two years, it is evident that Pagunsan has firmly established himself in Japan, which he fondly considers his "second home."

"I have been playing in Japan for over 10 years, so I consider Japan my second home," he stated.

"I enjoy the cuisine and appreciate the convenience it offers in many ways. While the Philippines serves as my residence, I hold a deep affection for the Tour here, and Japan has become a second home to me.

"Recently, my family relocated to Japan as travel restrictions imposed due to the pandemic have eased. We are now living together."

At the age of 45, Pagunsan firmly believes that he still possesses ample energy and is confident in maintaining his peak performance, as long as he prioritises his physical well-being.

"I continue to visit the gym on a regular basis. I don't exert myself excessively, but I ensure that I engage in regular workouts," he shared.

"Additionally, I play golf every day to keep myself in good physical shape. I am mindful of the potential decline in physical abilities and have been maintaining this routine since the beginning of my professional career.

"At my age, there might be challenges when focusing on close objects, but long-distance visibility is not an issue for me. I can clearly see things even from a distance of 300 yards."

The other notable international competitors vying for a place in The Open this week include Pagunsan's countryman Justin De Los Santos, South African Shaun Norris, the Australian pair Brad Kennedy and Anthony Quayle, and the American duo Han Lee and Todd Baek.

Quayle, De Los Santos, and Kennedy were the trio who secured their tickets, along with champion Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe, to last year's Open Championship at St. Andrews, the Home of Golf.

Quayle finished as the best among them with an impressive tied-15th place.

A total of three JGTO members have already secured their spots in the 151st edition of The Open.

They are Kazuki Higa and Rikuya Hoshino, who were the top two money leaders last season, and Taiga Semikawa, the winner of last year's Japan Open Golf Championship.

Ends.