Ryo

Hisatsune

Hisatsune started a bit off the pace, entering the day in fifth place. When leader Jordan Smith opened with back-to-back birdies it looked like a done deal but Smith went on to swallow a trio of bogeys without circling any more birds. For Hisatsune, he traded seven birdies with a pair of bogeys on the day. “For me, I didn’t think I would win, but I just won! I’m feeling delighted, it’s my first win, I’m so happy. I fly back to Japan tomorrow. Maybe in business class, I don’t know!” With this win, the 21-year-old DP World Tour rookie climbs from 37th to 11th in the Race to Dubai standings.

The 20-year-old played his way onto the DP World Tour via Q School. He arrives on a run of stellar form, posting top 15s in 13 of his last 17 worldwide starts. That includes a T12 at the ZOZO Championship and a runner-up finish at the Australian PGA Championship. It sure looks like we have the potential for a breakout season for the youngster and gamers should keep riding the hot hand until he shows any sign of slowing down.