Miyoshi, Aichi Prefecture, Japan: Suguru Shimoke, inspired by the deeds of fellow-former Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) contestant Hideki Matsuyama, has revealed his major goals.
Shimoke celebrated his maiden Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) victory at the Vantelin Tokai Classic today, firing a closing seven-under-par 64 at the Miyoshi Country Club’s West Course.
With a 17-under aggregate of 267, he finished one shot in front of Kazuki Yasumori and two clear of Shugo Imahira, with whom he had shared the third-round lead.
“I was nervous before that final putt, my hands were shaking,” admitted 23-year-old Shimoke, who tapped in for par on the 18th to seal victory. “So many thoughts were running through my mind, but once I holed it, everything was just joy. I didn’t even mark the ball because I wanted to hit it quickly.”
Shimoke, who made his sole AAC appearance at Royal Melbourne in Australia in 2023, missing the half-way cut, built early momentum at Miyoshi with birdies at the second, fourth, fifth and sixth holes, before dropping a shot on seven. He made further gains at the eighth, 12th and 13th before soaring ahead with an eagle on 15. After dropping a shot on 17, a final-hole par proved good enough to clinch the win.
The triumph was especially special for Shimoke, who was low amateur in the event at Miyoshi Country Club in 2021.
“This course has always felt comfortable for me,” he said. “It’s where I played my first JGTO event, and now it’s where I’ve won my first title. That makes it even more special.”
Looking ahead, Shimoke spoke of his longer-term ambitions. He said: “I don’t just want to try the PGA Tour. The Masters is the Major I dream about. When Matsuyama-san won, I realised what’s possible for us Japanese players, too.”
