Huge win for Kazuma Kobori

By Neville Idour

Canterbury amateur Kazuma Kobori confirmed his potential as a future star with a stunning win in the Australian Amateur Golf Championship at the New South Wales Golf Club in Sydney.

Kobori was always close to the lead with rounds of 69, 65, 73 and 66 for 15 under par and victory by two strokes.

The 21-year-old was born in Japan and emigrated with his family to Christchurch when he was five. His final round included six birdies, an eagle and two bogeys. He had opened up a three shot lead when he birdied the 16th. However, a bogey on the difficult 17th after missing the green, left an opening for Taishi Moto (Japan) to eagle No 18. It was not to be and Kobori sealed the deal with a superb wedge into the par five 18th for a birdie and what was his biggest amateur win. After his win he was swamped by his fellow Kiwis and doused with water to celebrate.

Said Kobori: “I was hoping to win, not get drenched, but really appreciated their support. After the bogey on the

17th my only danger was Moto chipping in on 18. He gave it a very good nudge as my heart skipped a few beats.”

Kobori won a professional tournament – the NZ PGA – four years ago and has been on the radar ever since, but has been pushed aside somewhat by the feats of his elder sister, Momoka, who is headed to the Ladies’ European Tour this year.