Nakajima Closes on JGTO Money List Title

Hyogo, Japan: Keita Nakajima has regained command of the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) Money Rankings after claiming a three-shot victory at the Mynavi ABC Championship.

It was the former Asia-Pacific Amateur champion’s third title of the season and the fourth of his career.

The 23-year-old entered the final round with a one-shot lead. However, an exceptional start, with five birdies in the first seven holes at ABC Golf Club, allowed him to distance himself from the chasing pack.

Nakajima picked up four more shots, including an eagle and two birdies, while trading with three bogeys, to finish with a second consecutive six-under-par 66, concluding the tournament with a record-breaking total of 24-under 264.

Nakajima surpassed the previous mark of 23-under set by JGTO legend Shingo Katayama in 2003, marking the first of Katayama’s four victories in the tournament.

Nakajima secured a three-shot victory over South African Shaun Norris, who also carded a 66, combining seven birdies with a single bogey to finish in second place.

With this win, Nakajima became the first player to achieve three victories this season, having previously won the ASO Iizuka Challenge Golf Tournament in June and the Yokohama Minato Championship in August.

“I was in excellent form this week, and I maintained my belief until the end. Perhaps that’s what helped me win today,” said Nakajima. “I’m extremely honoured to surpass Katayama's record, and I want to work hard to set my own mark when I return next year.”

After adding another ¥24 million to his season earnings, Nakajima not only overtook Takumi Kanaya for the first time since the Panasonic Open in September but also established a healthy lead over him.

Nakajima's total earnings now stand at ¥130,526,179, while Kanaya sits in second place with ¥111,005,999, having shot a 66 to tie for eighth place in the current tournament.

With four tournaments left on the schedule, Nakajima remains focused and cautious, saying: "There are still many tournaments coming up. I want to continue playing well and stay focused on the race for the prize money king title. I mustn’t get carried away.”

Tied for third place were last year’s winner Mikumu Horikawa and Taiga Semikawa. They closed with rounds of 66 and 68 respectively, for a total score of 268.