Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) — Shimoke Suguru, a native of Hirakata City in Osaka, is set to make his return to competition at a tournament close to his heart after a frustrating injury setback.
The 27-year-old, who starred as the ace of the golf team at Osaka Gakuin University in Suita, turned professional in 2023. He has played the Kansai Open, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, for three consecutive years since his amateur days in 2021.
“I’ve been supported by this event since my student days, so I want to give it my all,” Shimoke said ahead of the milestone edition. But he admitted his body is not yet at full strength after a car accident two weeks ago while driving on the expressway. He was rear-ended on a practice day before the “Chunichi Crowns” and suffered whiplash. What’s worse, a follow-up medical check revealed a mild herniated disc. “I’m still in rehabilitation,” he said.
Keeping expectations measured, Shimoke took a gentle walk through the course during Wednesday’s practice round alongside senior university alumnus Ohori Yujiro and others. Though he frequented nearby driving ranges as a student, he has almost no experience playing at the prestigious Ibaraki Country Club. His only round there came after turning pro in 2023, invited by a sponsor. “This is my first time in a tournament here. The fairways are narrow, the rough is deep, it’s tough,” he admitted. “My key will be keeping the ball in the fairway.”
Shimoke claimed his maiden tour victory at the Vantelin Tokai Classic last October, gradually boosting his profile. He has also been learning from respected senior professional Iwata Hiroshi, and this past offseason he focused especially on his short game, a known weakness.
His college classmate Ukita Tsubasa won his first professional title just last week at the ACN Tour’s Japan Players Championship Challenge in Fukui. “I immediately sent him a congratulatory message. I even added one emoji,” Shimoke laughed. “Seeing a classmate succeed motivates me. It’s very inspiring.” Now, with his close friend also qualifying into this tournament thanks to that victory, the two are determined to fight together on home turf.