Utouto Katsuragawa continued his incredible Japanese run on the DP World Tour this Sunday with a stunning final round 63 to take the ISPS Handa championship.
The 25-year-old trickster showed his prowess with seven birdies, clearing the course to finish at 17-under.
Katsuragawa won three times against Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg at the Taiheiyo Club in Gotemba, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji in central Japan.
The win marks the first time a Japanese player has won back-to-back DP World Tour titles since Keita Nakajima won the Indian Open.
For Katsuragawa, this first European-based victory earned him the coveted DP World Tour card, placing him in the top 25 of the 2024 tournament in Dubai, where he aims to fulfill his dream of competing in the US PGA. Journey.
“I have spent hours preparing for a moment like this,” the 434th announced to the excited world. My main goal is to secure a spot on the PGA Tour in the future.”
Before last year, Japan had only four victories in DP World Tour history. That number doubled in just seven months with wins over Ryo Hisatsune, Rikuya Hoshino, Nakajima and Katsuragawa.
Trailing by three shots on the final day, Katsuragawa was unstoppable, making two crucial birdies on the front nine to stay within striking distance.
A further five birdies after the turn would propel him to victory as he showed nerves of steel on the closing holes.
Reflecting on the victory, Katsuragawa said: “The back nine was nerve-wracking, my hands were shaking, but I believe in my ability and can execute my game plan. It’s amazing at Mount Fuji, but despite the challenges of the demanding course, I remain focused and do my best”.
Spain’s Ivan Cantero, Germany’s Marcel Schneider, South Africa’s Christian Bezuidenhout and Japan’s Ryosuke Kinoshita finished third, two points behind Soderbergh on the hotly contested leaderboard.
Overnight leader Casey Visarvis endured a tough final round, finishing eight strokes short of five holes on the front nine. Meanwhile, Germany’s Annannik Paul, who started in controversy, ran away to finish 11 goals behind champion Katsuragawa.
Katsuragawa’s victory adds an exciting chapter to his career, which is a testament to his growth in the world of golf, based on his title at the 2022 ISPS Handa Championship.
