Erika Hara, who is aiming for a ticket to the U.S. tour, advances to 10th place with three consecutive birdies. “Stay positive toward her goal.”
(Golf information ALBA.Net)
Five members of the Japanese tour are participating in this tournament, who will compete in the final qualifying round (in Alabama) in December to compete for the right to play on next season’s US tour. Miyu Yamashita, who has been the champion for two consecutive years, Reo Takeda, who is number one in the Mercedes rankings this season, sisters Mei Ai and Seni Iwai, and Hara, who made it through last week’s second qualifying round in Florida, USA. This is Erika.
He had only returned to Japan three days earlier, on the afternoon of the 28th, but the forced march, which had caused concerns, had nothing to do with it. “I don’t feel very tired. I don’t have jet lag either. I don’t usually feel that tired, either because of my many years of experience or just getting used to it.” He started in 10th place with a 68 with 6 birdies and 2 bogeys, 5 strokes behind the leader. My worries were unfounded.
The highlight was his three consecutive birdies from the 16th hole, which has two par 5 holes. No. 16 hit the third shot with 85 yards remaining to 1 meter, and No. 17 sank 4 meters. No. 18 pinned the third shot with 68 yards remaining. The gallery erupted in applause. He increased his score by hitting the pin on the third shot on the 1st and 13th par-5s, and on this day, he completely conquered all four par-5s by focusing on layups.
One of the best flyers on the tour said with a mischievous smile, “I haven’t been able to fly lately,” but he nodded with satisfaction and said, “I’m glad I got all the birdies on the par 5s.It’s a good performance for the first day.” The fairway keep rate on this day was 71.4% (10/14), and the hit rate was 66.7% (12/18). Regarding his shots, which he said were “not in good condition,” he gave him a passing score, saying, “I was able to make some adjustments to my tee shot, and although it still feels uncomfortable, I’m able to hit the ball the way I want.”
He says that the fade of his ball has not yet traced the trajectory he had imagined. “I’m leaning too far to the left. I’d like to make some corrections,” he said, pointing to the utility of his 3 and 5 woods. However, “the club face is pointing to the left along with the body. You need to hold it straight toward the target.” He knows the “trend and countermeasures.”
“Starting tomorrow, I want to play my best, just like I did today. Even if I hit a ball I don’t like, I’ll keep playing with a positive attitude, with the mindset that I’m aiming for my goal.”
If he wins his first win of the season on the stage co-sponsored by the Japan-U.S. Tour, he will get a “passport” to the U.S. Tour without having to wait for the final qualifying round. 3 days left. As the number of trajectories that fly towards the target increases, the goal becomes a new starting point. (Written by Takashi Usuki)
