'KPGA Challenge' Wada "I hope to win"

2-under-par in the first round of the DB Insurance Promy Open season opener
Entered the domestic tour after last year's qualifying tournament
"I chose to take on the challenge because I wanted to compete in Korea"

Japanese golfer Wada Shotaro attracted attention at the season opener of the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour, the DB Insurance Promy Open (total prize money 1 billion KRW).

In the first round of the tournament held on the 17th at La Vie Belle Golf & Resort Old Course (par 72, 7,181 yards) in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, he scored 2-under-par 69 with one eagle, four birdies, and four bogeys. In an interview immediately after the round, he said, "I heard about the KPGA Tour through fellow players and acquaintances, and I wanted to actively compete in Korea, so I challenged the KPGA Tour."

Wada Shotaro is teeing off at the 5th hole of the 1st round of the DB Insurance Promy Open. KPGA

Wada is a somewhat special player. Last year, he finished tied for 33rd in the KPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament, earning his place on the domestic circuit. Unlike Japanese players who participated as invited players or in co-hosted tournaments with the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO), he holds a different status. Wada is the first Japanese national to pass the KPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament and secure a tour card.

Wada is from Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu, Japan. Since 2014, he has mainly competed on the Japan Professional Golf 2nd Division Tour, winning once in 2016. He also played three seasons on the JGTO. His personal best was a tie for 4th place at the 2021 Golf Partner Pro-Am Tournament.

He stated, "I heard that KPGA Tour courses are quite challenging and have many difficult spots," adding, "I prepared for the season by doing weight training and frequently playing practice rounds." He smiled and said, "My primary goal is to make the cut. It would be great to win."