Steely Focus the Key to Toyoshima’s Success

Bogor, West Java, Indonesia: Yutaka Toyoshima believes his ability to maintain 100 per cent concentration was the key to his retention of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) Mid-Amateur title.

Outlasting rivals almost half his age, 49-year-old Toyoshima followed up his triumph in the inaugural edition of the event in 2025 with a wire-to-wire victory at Gunung Geulis Country Club this week.

“I came here with the aim to defend the title and I’m very happy to win for the second year in a row,” said the five-time Japan Mid-Amateur champion.

Despite enjoying a five-stroke winning margin, Toyoshima admitted the win did not come easily and required him to dig deep in the final round.

“On the front nine it got as close as one shot, so it was a competitive round and a challenging day. I had to play better on the back nine. I was constantly telling myself to stay focused and not lose concentration. I think that was the key to my success.

“This venue was totally different to last year (Gading Raya Golf Club) – it’s more tight and narrow and the greens are faster and have more undulations.

“I’m 49. Playing with guys who are 25 takes a lot of courage. Against the younger boys I have to fight as hard as I can.”

The three players who pushed Toyoshima the hardest were 27-year-old Zachary Kristian, 25-year-old Luke Moore, and 37-year-old Alit Jiwandana, who finished second, third and fifth respsectively.

Playing in the same flight as Toyoshima in the final round, Kristian got within one shot of the lead after nine holes before the Japanese veteran pulled clear.

Kristian recovered well after a poor start. He said: “I began with a double-bogey but stayed patient and stuck to my gameplan. This course sometimes rewards you when you play safe, so I hit a few irons off the tee to find the fairways. I took my time and birdies followed (at seven, eight and nine).

“I was one shot back after nine but hit a bad tee shot at 10 and didn’t really recover from that.

“But it was a great experience. There were a lot of good international players and it was fun competing with them.”

Moore, playing in the penultimate group, also threatened to mount a concerted challenge. However, he also came unstuck at the par-five 10th before rallying to post a 66 that left him in third place.

“I had a lot of birdies but I also made too many mistakes,” said Moore.

Ultimately, Toyoshima had too much know-how for his younger rivals and he's already plotting his bid for a hat-trick of titles next year.

He said: “It’s been an excellent week. I’d like to extend my warm gratitude to the Indonesia Golf Association, Gunung Geulis Country Club, the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation and all the participants who came here.

“I’d like this championship to grow and become even more challenging. Even though I’m turning 50 next year I’d like to win again.”