‘Second-Year KPGA Tour Player’ Wada: "I've Adapted to Korean Courses"

First Japanese National to Compete on the Regular Tour Last Year
Rejoins KPGA After Tying for Fourth at QT Following Poor Results
"I Will Do My Best to Retain My Tour Card"

There is a player to watch in this year's Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour. That player is Shotaro Wada from Japan, now in his second year on the tour. Last year, he became the first Japanese national to debut on the domestic stage through the KPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament (QT). Although he failed to retain his tour card last year, he challenged the QT again and rejoined the KPGA Tour by finishing tied for fourth place.

Shotaro Wada will challenge for a victory in this year's KPGA Tour. Photo by KPGA

Wada is from Fukuoka, Japan. He started playing golf at the age of nine and turned professional in 2013. After turning pro, he joined the Japan ACN (second division) Tour, where he recorded one victory, thanks to his outstanding driving distance. On Japan's first division tour, he competed in 2017, 2019, and from 2020 to 2021. His best personal result was a tie for fourth place at the 2021 Golf Partner Pro-Am Tournament.

Wada said, "Playing on the KPGA Tour last year was a great help in my golf career. It was motivating, and above all, my golf improved to the next level. Of course, I faced difficulties and had some regrets, but I gained a lot of experience. I am looking forward to playing on the KPGA Tour again next season."

Regarding his goals for this year, Wada stated, "I will do my best to retain my tour card." He added, "Last year, I consistently participated in tournaments and gained various experiences. Now, I have adapted to Korean courses to some extent. This year, I will strive to compete for a victory."