Ibaraki, Japan: At the sixth time of trying, Keita Nakajima has fulfilled a lifetime ambition by being crowned winner of the Japan Amateur Championship.
Making light of bad weather conditions, Nakajima posted a three-stroke success in the event that was reduced to 54 holes due to heavy rain. In the process, he extended his advantage at the top of the standings in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
After opening with a 72, Nakajima stamped his class in the 105th edition of Japan’s national championship with a brilliant second round of nine-under-par 63 over the West Course at the Otone Country Club in Bando City.
That gave him a share of the lead with Taichiro Iriha. Nakajima, who turned 21 late last month, took control of the tournament on day three with a solid 71.
On the final day, further torrential rain forced the last round to be cancelled after the leaders had completed only five holes. The Japan Golf Association deemed that the event would be decided over 54 holes.
That meant Nakajima’s three-day aggregate of 10-under 206 was three clear of Iriha with Kosuke Suzuki a further three strokes back in sole possession of third place.
“Now I won’t be called the second-place man,” said Nakajima, referring to the fact that on four of his previous appearances in the championship he had finished runner-up.
“Even during the (rain) interruption, I kept my motivation to fight 18 holes until the end. I’ve always said that this title is a ‘must-have’ title in my golf life,” he said.
Next on the agenda for Nakajima is the United States Amateur Championship, set to take place at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania from August 13-16.
“Of course, I want to win, but I’m looking forward to gaining a lot of experience,” said Nakajima, who also has his sights set on appearances this year in the Japan Open and the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.
Meanwhile, Korea’s Sam Choi made his initial move into the top 15 in the WAGR with a two-shot victory in the Maridoe Amateur Championship.
Choi, who now makes his home in Anaheim, California, returned a nine-under 207 aggregate at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas thanks to rounds of 69, 66 and 72. He advances seven rankings to 14th.
Also on the rise is Australian Louis Dobbelaar, who continued his conquest of the United States when he added the North and South Amateur Championship to the Dogwood Invitational he won last month. It is his second win from three appearances in the United States.
Dobbelaar, who won the Australian Men’s Amateur Championship in February, defeated American Jackson Van Paris at the first extra hole of the famed No 2 Course at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club.
He jumps 16 spots on the WAGR to a new high of 32nd.