Asian Tour member Jinichiro Kozuma made it win number three on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation by winning the Sansan KBC Augusta yesterday at Keya Golf Club, Fukuoka.

The Japanese golfer, who has also been playing on the LIV Golf League this season, beat countryman Yuwa Kosaihira on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off.

Kozuma looked to be cruising to victory in normal time with a two-shot lead with two to play but surprisingly bogeyed the last two holes, while Kosaihira sensationally draw level with two closing birdies.

However, the wheels came off for Kosaihira as he drove out of bounds on the second play-off hole, where Kozuma made par.

The pair had finished tied on 19-under, with Kozuma shooting a 69 and Kosaihira a 65.

Jinchiro Kozuma (right) triumphant after finishing top-three at LIV Golf Promotions. Picture by Paul Lakatos /Asian Tour.

“After the bogey on 17, I thought I could win if I could make par on 18. But I couldn’t swing fully with my tee shot and the ball ended up in the right bunker. The resulting par putt wasn’t an easy line, but I hit it where I wanted. However, I misread the line,” said Kozuma.

“This is the first time my family is watching me in contention on the final day. I wanted to win it so badly for them. Winning in front of my family has always been a goal and I’m glad I achieved it today.”

He also claimed one of his other titles in Japan, the Token Homemate Cup in 2022, in a play-off.

The 30-year-old has yet to win on the Asian Tour. He’s played a handful of events over the past few seasons, with his best result coming in last year’s season-ending Saudi Open presented by PIF, where he tied fourth.

He made headlines in last year’s LIV Golf Promotions event where he again prevailed in extra time to claim one of the three spots available on this year’s LIV Golf League.

He plays for the league’s Iron Heads GC team with fellow Asian Tour player Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe, Danny Lee from New Zealand, and American Kevin Na – their captain.

He was ninth individually in Adelaide for his highest finish on the multi-million dollar franchise this year.