Golf: Kazuma Kobori will get New Zealand off to successful begin in 2023

Kazuma Kobori has stolen the early highlight for New Zealand golfers in 2023 by taking out the Australian Beginner event on the New South Wales Golf Membership.

Kobori, who has been a rising star amongst the Kiwi ranks since taking out the New Zealand PGA Championship in 2019 as a 17-year-old, fired a closing 6-under par 66 to seal the victory, the largest of his novice profession up to now.

Beginning the day tied for the lead after rounds of 69, 65 and 73, Kobori shot the spherical of the day when it counted, touchdown six birdies and an eagle as a part of a closing 66 which left him two photographs forward of his closest rivals Arron Edwards-Hill (England) and Taishi Moto (Japan).

“I’m stoked, really,” he stated. “We had a very good battle, Taishi and me, and Arron was placing stress on as effectively. I’m stoked to recover from the road.”

The 21-year-old was suitably showered with water by the opposite Kiwis within the area instantly after ending with a birdie on 18 to cap the spherical.

“I hoped it might occur,” he stated. “However I didn’t need to get drenched! It’s alright. I respect them sticking there watching me on the again 9. I respect their help.”

A type of Kiwis was fourth-placed finisher Sam Jones who was the very best of the remainder from Aotearoa, forward of Jayden Ford (14th) and Joshua Bai (thirtieth) who additionally made the reduce.

Kobori will little doubt be hoping his success results in a pathway in direction of extra worldwide competitors, much like his elder sister, Momoka, who’s headed to the Women European Tour this 12 months.