Playing tournament golf in Japan is always a memorable experience and at the recently staged International Series Japan presented by Moutai, competitors chose to honour this in the best way possible – by giving back to the community.

A wealth of competitors, including the champion Lucas Herbert from Australia, donated equipment to the Japan High School and Junior High School Golf Association, one of the nation’s leading supporters of grassroots golf.

Golf balls, hats and gloves were all gifted to the association during the week, helping to ensure the country’s up-and-coming golfers have a surplus of quality golf products.

The contributions helped played an important part in an unforgettable week at Caledonian Golf Club, which marked the first time The International Series had visited Japan.

Said Herbert after his win: “I had the pleasure of first coming to play in Japan as an amateur at the start of my career and it’s just a special place. I had some of the best food I have ever had this week, and it’s just been an incredible experience.”

Lucas Herbert. Picture by Graham Uden/Asian Tour.

Yuta Sugiura, one of Japan’s rising stars and a two-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour, finished as the leading local player in a tie for second place.

The 23-year-old is an inspiration to the country’s next generation of golfers, including the aspiring golfers at the Japan High School.

“We are so grateful to the Asian Tour and The International Series for these wonderful donations to our students,” said Hisahiko Inoue [main picture with Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour], Chairman, Japan High School and Junior High School Golf Association.

“These gifts will be a great incentive to our golfers to try and reach the next level and follow in the footsteps of players like Yuta Sugiura. Golf in Japan continues to be very popular and we are trying to play our part in helping it to grow.”

Five players from Japan finished in the top-10 at the International Series Japan presented by Moutai – including Jinichiro Kozuma, who plays on the LIV Golf League – showcasing the strength in depth of the powerful golfing nation.