Rikuya Hoshino emerged as the latest standout from the JGTO ranks, clinching the Qatar Masters for his inaugural DP World Tour title on Sunday.
The 27-year-old sealed the deal with a solid closing round of four-under-par 68, securing a one-shot victory over Frenchman Ugo Coussaud with a total score of 14-under 274.
Starting the day at Doha Golf Club tied for the lead alongside Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard and Coussaud, Hoshino maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard throughout the round.
As Hojgaard faltered with early bogeys, slipping out of contention, Hoshino and Coussaud engaged in a fierce battle until the final hole. Meanwhile, Scott Jamieson of Scotland surged momentarily, setting the clubhouse lead at 12-under with an impressive 65.
Hoshino displayed remarkable composure in the closing stages, sinking crucial birdies on the 16th and a sensational 25-footer on the 17th, pulling two shots clear of Coussaud and Jamieson as they approached the 18th tee.
Coussaud injected excitement with a birdie on the final hole, leaving Hoshino with a four-foot par putt to avoid a playoff, which he successfully converted.
Hoshino was overjoyed after becoming only the fourth Japanese player to win on the European flagship circuit, achieving this milestone in just his 27th appearance.
The victory held extra significance for him as it allowed him to redeem himself after finishing as the runner-up twice at the Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open late last year.
“I’m honoured to win at this wonderful tournament,” Hoshino told the DP World Tour.
“I was second at the last two Australian tournaments so I’m so happy to finally win. “Of course I was nervous but I just tried to keep enjoying it.”
Hoshino’s victory continues to underscore the JGTO’s ability to produce world-class talents.
Just last September, Ryo Hisatsune secured a significant win at the French Open, a victory that helped him earn playing rights on the PGA Tour through the DP World Tour.
Hisatsune became only the third Japanese player to win on the DP World Tour, following in the footsteps of Isao Aoki, who first achieved this feat in 1983.
It wasn’t until 2016 that Hideki Matsuyama replicated this accomplishment by winning the WGC-HSBC Champions.
Hoshino’s triumph in just a short span of five months further demonstrates the remarkable progress of the JGTO and its ability to produce competitive players on the global stage.
Masahiro Kawamura finished with a 72, placing him in a tie for 16th at six-under 282, while Keita Nakajima’s 74 left him tied for 33rd on 285.
