Apr 18, 2017: India’s S.S.P Chawrasia believes he will be among the genuine contenders for the Panasonic OPEN Japan when the ¥150 million (approximately US$1.37million) event tees off at the Chiba Country Club, Umesato course in Noda City, Chiba prefecture on Thursday.
Over 30 Tour winners from over 15 countries are set to feature at the Panasonic OPEN Japan which is the third event to be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) this year.
Having secured his first Tour title outside India last year, Chawrasia is delighted the pressure of winning abroad is finally off and he can focus on playing his way into contention again.
Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung is also running high on confidence having won another domestic title where he prevailed in a play-off last week.
The 26-year-old has shown great improvement and maturity in his game since missing the cut in last year’s edition and is ready to make amends this week.
Qualifying School winner Richard Green of Australia is meanwhile planning to make his maiden trip to Japan a memorable one having taken a well-deserved break from golf recently.
A multiple winner in Europe and Australia, Green is also very excited about the playing opportunities in Asia having earned his Tour card in January.
Things to Know:
The Panasonic OPEN Japan is the third event to be sanctioned by the Asian Tour and JGTO this year following earlier events in Singapore and Myanmar in January.
Australia’s Richard Green, who topped the class at Qualifying School in January, is visiting and competing in Japan for the first time since he turned professional in 1992.
India’s S.S.P Chawrasia is gunning for his seventh win on the Asian Tour after successfully defending his National Open last month.
Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung is still searching for his maiden breakthrough on the Asian Tour having come close on several occasions since he turned professional in 2010.
Panasonic Corporation which has supported the Olympic Games as an official worldwide partner for over 25 years, has also backed professional golf at the highest level in Asia through its title sponsorship of the Panasonic OPEN India since 2011 and the Panasonic OPEN Japan.
Asian Tour Release
