Hirata becomes the youngest ever winner of Japan PGA Championship

Japan’s brightest talent claims 2nd season title

Photo credit : The Professional Golfer’s Association of Japan

Mizuno’s fast emerging talent Kensei Hirata added another chapter to an incredible season with a wire-to-wire victory at the Japan PGA Championship in Hokkaido on Sunday.  Hirata became the youngest-ever winner of the Japan PGA Championship since the JGTO was founded in 1973 – at 22 years, eight months, and four days.   The win followed Hirata’s debut appearance at The Open Championship – earned by his win at The 2023 Mizuno Open.

Hirata is the only 2 time winner on the Japan Tour in 2023. Photo credit : The Professional Golfer’s Association of Japan

Osaka-born Hirata, who started the day a stroke clear, could afford a bogey on the final hole and finished two shots ahead of the field with a four-day total of 11-under-par 277.  The win made Hirata the first multiple winner on the Japan Tour in 2023 and propels him to third in the JGTO money list, with a season tally of ¥54,001,423.

Mizuno have high hopes for Hirata, who impressed many with his visit to Royal Liverpool in July.

We have to remember that Kensei has only just graduated from university and committed to full-time golf.  So to have 2 wins and an experience of an Open Championship already under his belt is something special.  He’s such a humble, nice individual and we loved having him with us for a week in Liverpool.  He’s obviously taken back a lot of confidence to Japan.

David Matthews / Mizuno

Hirata WITB

Hirata added to his 2023 experience with a 1st visit to the Open Championship in July. Pic by Getty.

Hirata with Mizuno ST-X driver on Mizuno’s European Tour workshop. Image by Mizuno.

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