NZ amateur Kazumi Kobori impresses with Japan Tour 6th
Today’s winner – Shugo Imahira – photo Japan Golf Tour
New Zealand amateur, Kazuma Koboro, has led the Australasians at the Japan / Asian Tour’s Asia Pacific Diamond Cup Golf event in Ibaraki Prefecture, the 20 year old from Christchurch eventually finishing in a share of 6th but only two shots from the winner, Shugo Imahira.
Kobori shocked the golfing world in 2019 when winning the 2019 New Zealand PGA Championship as a 17 year old, but it has been his sister Momoka who has been to the fore in recent months with some outstanding performances including a win in mixed gender events in Australia.
Kobori’s fellow countryman, Ben Campbell, shared the 54 hole lead this week but would finish in a tie for 8th, a double bogey at his 17th hole today costing him a much higher finish and the chance of winning the tournament.
“Very frustrated with the finish,” said Campbell. “Lost the ball on 17th. I thought it was on the fairway, but it actually went left. It was a week that could have been unfortunately. But overall, still a positive week.
“I thought I was feeling rusty coming into this week and that sort of showed a little bit today. Had a good chance after making birdie on 13 but three putted 14 and that really killed me. I only had about 10 feet there for birdie. To three putt that really hurts.”
Victorian Todd Sinnott led after the opening round but would finish in 18th place, a third round of 77 costing him dearly.
SCORES
Ben Campbell – unable to turn contention into victory today – photo Diamond Cup
