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Ryo Hisatsune Named PGA European Tour's Rookie of the Year

With eight top-10 finishes in 2023, up-and-coming golfer Ryo Hisatsune became the first Japanese to win the European Tour's Rookie of the Year award.

Published

5 months ago

November 29, 2023

Ed Odeven

Ryo Hisatsune, seen competing in the 88th Japan Open on October 12, 2023, at Ibaraki Country Club, appeared in 27 PGA European Tour events in 2023. (ⒸSANKEI)

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Ryo Hisatsune became a well-recognized name on the PGA European Tour during the 2023 season, earning a victory at the French Open on September 24 and placing in the top 10 in seven other tournaments.

The 21-year-old golfer, a native of Okayama, was selected to receive the tour's Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award, it was announced on Tuesday, November 28.

Hisatsune is the first Japanese golfer to receive the prestigious accolade, which has been awarded since 1960.

Past award winners on the circuit, also currently known as the DP World Tour, include Jon Rahm (2017), Sergio Garcia (1999), Colin Montgomerie (1988) and Nick Faldo (1977). They have won a combined nine majors.

"I'm so happy, it's such a surprise," Hisatsune said on Tuesday, two months after his banner performance at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France. "This season has been such an experience on the DP World Tour, it's been so exciting. Winning the Open de France was amazing for me. I've been working so hard, and it was such a good result. I was so happy and very honored to become a Japanese winner on the DP World Tour."

Insights from a European Tour Executive

In summarizing Hisatsune's credentials for consideration as the European Tour's top rookie, David Howell, chairman of the tour's tournament committee, said, according to the tour's official website: "The list of contenders for this year’s award was particularly strong, but Ryo thoroughly deserves this accolade for his performances throughout the season.

"He has proven over 27 events that he belongs at this level and his victory in France, at one of our most historic events and challenging golf courses, was particularly impressive. He is a young man with a lot of talent, and I look forward to seeing him flourish in the years to come."

Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.

Ryo Hisatsune Captures French Open Title for First Victory on the European Tour

Author: Ed Odeven

Find Ed on JAPAN Forward's dedicated website, SportsLook. Follow his [Japan Sports Notebook] on Sundays, [Odds and Evens] during the week, and Twitter ＠ed_odeven.