The UBS Japan Golf Tour Championship, the first domestic major of the season, kicked off at the Shishido Hills Country Club (7,280 yards, par 71) in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Last week, both Azuma Yano and Hideto Tanihara of Team PRGR did not play as well as expected. In addition, owing to the fact that this is a major tournament where the top players on the tour will be competing, starting from the practice day both players were more intensely focused than usual during their practice rounds and course checks.
Yano, who has had some minor worries about his shot, said on the practice day, “I figured out a subtle glitch in my swing. Putting it simply, my body has been swaying to the left during my downswing. If I can identify the reason, I’ll also know how to resolve the problem. Over the two days before the tournament, I’m going to work on straightening out my swing.”

It seems that Tanihara was also dealing with some worries of his own. “The actual direction of my shots is not lining up with where I want the ball to go. The reason, though, isn't my swing. My coach, Yuji Naito, pointed out that it has to do with a glitch in my address, so that put my mind at ease. All I need to do now is hit balls on the driving range so that I can get my body accustomed to using the correct address.”

As with last week, both players could be seen this week alongside each other on the driving range vigorously practicing. On the first day of the tournament, Yano had three birdies and three bogeys to finish at even par. Tanihara had four birdies, two bogeys, and one double bogey to finish at even par and in a tie for 35th along with Yano. For both players, it was a tolerable start to the round.

Both players were presented with some new gear that we hoped would raise their spirits. They both received a specially designed putter cover (prototype) for the Silver Blade centre shaft putter. The covers are made with the same material and are the same colour as the caddie bags (graphite silver) both players are using from this season.

In addition, we heard some interesting news from the familiar Yokohama Bancho from the popular blog Pro Liaison Tour Diary.

Starting from June 13, a limited edition sun visor will be available. The visor will come in three colours including green, pink, or blue with the colour decorating the right side of the visor. Both players were pleased with the visor as it gives them more options for colour coordination. In addition, Yano also received a cap prototype model. Yano gave it his seal of approval after he tried it on.

This year’s tour schedule has the Japan PGA Championship being held the week after the Tour Championship. After two domestic majors in a row, Yano will be playing in the US Open – the second world major. First, however, both players will surely be showing us their best golf of the tour at the first domestic major. Go Team PRGR!