Iron Heads GC’s Kozuma wins on Japan Golf Tour via playoff

ITOSHIMA, Japan – LIV Golf player Jinichiro Kozuma of Iron Heads GC survived a nerve-racking finish with bogeys on his last two holes in regulation, before outplaying Yuwa Kosaihira on the second playoff hole with a par to win the Japan Tour’s Sansan KBC Augusta on Sunday.

Kozuma, who shot a 3-under 69 to finish regulation at 19 under, won for the fifth time as a professional. He’s in his first year with LIV Golf after earning a spot for the 2024 season through last year’s LIV Golf Promotions tournament, and currently sits just inside the Open Zone at 45th in points entering next month’s LIV Golf Chicago.

The 30-year-old from Japan looked poised to win his third JGTO title with a comfortable two-shot cushion as he headed into his last two holes at the Keya Golf Club. But he bogeyed the par-3 17th and the par-5 18th, opening the door for Kosaihira.

“After the bogey on 17, I thought I could win if I could make par on 18. But I couldn't swing fully with my tee shot and the ball ended up in the right bunker. The resulting par putt wasn't an easy line, but I hit it where I wanted. However, I misread the line,” said Kozuma.

The fast-charging Kosaihira, who had already moved up the leaderboard with five birdies midway through his round, made it a dramatic finish as he birdied 17 and 18 to extend the contest after signing for a 7-under 65 to match Kozuma at 19 under.

Kozuma and Kosaihira parred the first playoff hole but it was Kozuma who eventually prevailed on the second playoff hole after Kosaihira drove his tee shot out of bounds before making a bogey. Par was enough for Kozuma to stand victorious in front of the cheering crowd that included his wife and son.

“This is the first time my family is watching me in contention on the final day. I wanted to win it so badly for them. Winning in front of my family has always been a goal and I’m glad I achieved it today,” said Kozuma.

Meanwhile, Kosaihira bemoaned the costly wayward drive on his second playoff hole as his wait for his JGTO breakthrough prolonged.

“My mindset didn't change after I knew the winner would be decided in a playoff. I was still very focused but it was just my tee shot on the second playoff hole which I regretted not doing better,” he said.

“I prepared well, and I think the results showed even though I didn’t win. Moving forward, I will continue to prepare thoroughly for the next event.”

South Africa’s Shaun Norris, a former LIV Golf player who trailed Kozuma by one shot before the start of the final round, signed off with a 69 to share third place with Taichi Nabetani.