Higa holds nerve to capture second Shinhan Donghae crown
Japanese star survives late drama in Korea to clinch victory
Las Vegas - Kazuki Higa produced a steely finish at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea to win the 41st Shinhan Donghae Open by one shot, his second triumph in the event.
The 30-year-old fired a closing 68 to finish 18 under par, edging out Canadian Richard T. Lee and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent after a tense back nine. Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho and Thailand’s Danthai Boonma shared fourth, one stroke further behind.
“Very relieved to win,” said Higa, who also claimed the title in 2022. “It got a little tough. There were a few missed shots and a lot of pressure on the back nine. I am glad my game held up.”
The victory is Higa’s eighth on the Japan Golf Tour and first repeat success in his professional career. Four of his titles came in 2022, when his Shinhan Donghae triumph helped him secure the money list.
The Asian Tour now moves to Chinese-Taipei for the Yeangder TPC at Linkou International Golf and Country Club, where Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai will defend his title.