Shogenji Surges Ahead in Season Opener
Birdie blitz down the stretch puts Japanese hopeful on brink of maiden JGTO title
Augusta, Georgia - Tatsunori Shogenji produced a blemish-free five-under 66 on Saturday to build a three-shot cushion heading into the final round of the Token Homemate Cup, the Japan Golf Tour's 2025 season opener.
The 26-year-old extended his overnight advantage early, birdieing the par-four first and adding another on the seventh to make the turn in 33. He then lit up the back nine with a trio of consecutive birdies on 15, 16, and 17, putting daylight between himself and the chasing pack.
“I felt like my overall rhythm was solid today,” said Shogenji. “The birdies on 15, 16, and 17 were key highlights, and saving par from the bunker on nine really helped keep the round bogey-free.”
Ren Yonezawa carded an equally impressive 66 to climb into solo second on 14-under-par 199, while Tomoyo Ikemura, Taiki Yoshida, Taichiro Ideriha, and Naoyuki Kataoka shared third at 201.
“I missed a few fairways and left some birdie chances out there,” Shogenji admitted. “But those were mostly small errors — club selection or reading the wind. If I stay composed, I’m confident for tomorrow, whatever the weather brings.”
Shogenji, still chasing his first JGTO title, will take a commanding lead into Sunday’s final round, with history firmly within reach.