Zim golfer Vincent wins big in Japan Scott Vincent

ZIMBABWEAN professional golfer Scott Vincent was sitting on top of the world yesterday after he captured his second win in the Japan Golf Tour with the victory at the ANA Open at Sapporo Golf Club Wattsu Course in Hakkaido, Japan.

Vincent (29), who has been on a mission in Japan since his participation at the recent 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, pocketed approximately US$909 300 for his efforts.

With his American wife Kelsey Kruger on the bag, the duo dominated the course with a final score 18-under-par 270.

The duo has had quite a hectic schedule in Japan this year after representing Zimbabwe at the Tokyo Olympics.

Vincent, who registered his maiden win in the Japan Golf Tour a fortnight ago at the Sansan KBC Augusta in Fukuoka Prefecture, was already smelling victory after shooting at the top of the leaderboard at the conclusion of the second round on Saturday.

Vincent cuddled his lovely wife, Kelsey, and talked about how great she is and nothing about his golf.

“My great performance owes to my wife’s support. Actually, her support is the only reason for my great performance today. I have the greatest caddy.”

Vincent was so busy having fun along with his wife, he didn’t notice that it was Japanese professional golfer Ryo Ishikawa’s birthday, even though it was announced at the starting tee.

“I guess I didn’t understand the Japanese announcement. He turns 30 today? I should have congratulated him. I will do so later.”

The win was Vincent’s second after he won the Sansan KBC Augusta a fortnight ago. It didn’t take time for the Zimbabwean to achieve his second Tour victory.

He started out the final round tied on third place with three strokes behind but managed to make four birdies on his starting holes and caught up with the leader.

Then his eagle on ninth, making eight-metre putt, gave him the outright lead with a three-shot margin.

Many players suffered tough times dealing with the strong windy conditions, but the winner of August’s Sansan KBC Augusta wasn’t affected at all.

Runner-up again was Tomoharu Otsuki as number two Money Ranker Ryosuke Kinoshita finished third along with Mikumu Horikawa.

And, 44-year-old Azuma Yano, who had aimed to grab his victory, which he has been away from for 13 years, finished with 13-under, and was tied on fifth place.

The supporting professional of ANA, Ryo Ishikawa, ended his tournament with 9-under, tied at 16th place.

Vincent played magnificently with bogey free nine birdies to score 63 and caught up with round one leader, South African Jbe Kruger.

Vincent was outstanding in his last four holes, and he said they were so excited to see the outcome.

On the final 18th, his high trajectory two shot from right side roughs got to 4.5-metre of the pin to close the day with four straight birdies.

It was windy and tough condition, but Vincent marked nine birdies.

He is a fade hitter.

“The strong wind was coming from the left side at the tee box on 9th. It was difficult task, but I aimed my shot to left, and my course strategy ended in success.”

Gusty wind condition made many of the players to stumble, and at one point Vincent had a five-shot lead.

“I usually don’t take a look at the leader boards, but on 16th I found out I had a big margin against the crowd. I accidentally took a glance at the board, and it got me under pressure, but I told myself to play steady by keeping the fairways and getting the ball on the green. Then, there will be anyone who would catch me.”

Now Vincent’s Money Rankings rose to 8th. This year PGA and JGTO co-sanctioned ZOZO Championship (scheduled in October) is back in Japan, and Vincent’s ZOZO Rankings is up to 2nd.

“I really want to earn the ticket to the ZOZO Championship. I also want to push up my World Rankings too and get closer to playing at US PGA Tour, which is my ultimate dream.”

During the summer break, Vincent went back to Colorado, United States, to get vaccinated.

“Going back and forth will put us under two weeks of restriction and that is troublesome. I intend to stay in Japan until the end of the year, but if Kelsey says she want to go home. I must grant her wishes, because I could not do anything without her.” Vincent’s schedules are all up to beloved wife, but Kelsey seems to be pretty happy with one of the winner’s prize being Bulgari bag.

On their first victory at Sansan KBC Augusta, they had spicy noodles for power meal. On Saturday they had Sushi, and last night they were expected to celebrate with “Genghis Khan” a Mongolian style mutton BBQ which is pretty famous delicacies in Hokkaido Prefecture. — Japan Golf Tour/ Sports Reporter.

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