A come-from-behind victory leads to the dream stage The Chubu Nippon Golf Masters Championship was held on November 7th and 8th at the Nippon Line Golf Club in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture. On the second day, Kinjiro Kato (14), a second-year junior high school student from Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, started from third place, two strokes behind the leader, and took the lead in the first half by scoring three consecutive birdies. He then showed a dramatic finish with a chip-in birdie on the final 18th hole, finishing with a total score of one under par. He won the championship with a stunning come-from-behind victory, three strokes ahead of second place. With this victory, Kato has earned the right to participate in the 65th Chunichi Crowns to be held next spring. He said of his future aspirations, "I want to not only participate, but also achieve good results and spread my wings and soar even further into the world." He first encountered golf at the age of six and has won more than 100 times Kato started playing golf eight years ago, at the age of six. "My dad was playing, so I went to the practice range with him and it was so fun that I started playing," he said. His father, Keizo, encouraged Kato, saying, "I wanted him to stick to what he had decided to do, so we decided to do it well, and that's when we started." At the age of 10, he learned the basics of how to use his body and how to move from a professional instructor, and also received mental guidance from a sports mentality trainer. Two years ago, Kato aimed to become the best in the world, and he has continued to grow, attending a golf academy in Thailand several times a year. Armed with his refined and accurate shots and putting, he has won more than 100 junior tournaments. He is a super junior high school student who has been participating in the professional tour since last year. Taking on the challenge of the Chunichi Crowns, held in his hometown of Aichi Prefecture, was one of Kato's goals since he started playing golf. (Kinjiro Kato, 14 years old, from Seto City, Aichi) "The Crowns are held in my hometown, and I used to go to watch them every year, so I'm really happy to be able to participate." The number of spectators at the Chunichi Crowns is said to be among the highest in the country. The large local cheering squad is a great support. (Kato) "I think a lot of people will come to support me. I don't get nervous when people cheer me on, I think the cheering gives me strength." My goal is to advance to the final round! And even to the top! Kato confidently states that his goal at Chunichi Crowns is to "play under par for all four days and do my best to compete for the top spot." With the support of his hometown behind him, expectations are building for the kind of play this 14-year-old golfer will show as he seriously aims to advance to the final round on the big stage and even to the top spots. For more details, check out NEWS DIG! ↓ https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/cb...