Keita Nakajima believes the recent success of Japanese golfers on the world stage is down to their determination to bridge the gap to “superstar” Hideki Matsuyama.
With his victory at the Hero Indian Open last month, the 23-year-old became the fifth Japanese winner in DP World Tour history as he continued a remarkable purple patch for his nation.
Over a seven month stretch, Ryo Hisatsune, Rikuya Hoshino and Nakajima have all become first-time winners on Tour to follow in the footsteps of Isao Aoki and Matsuyama.
Nakajima returns to his homeland this week aiming to maintain their momentum at the ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP, co-sanctioned by the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
While Masters champion Matsuyama continues to lead the charge on the PGA TOUR, there is now a strong contingent of golfers flying the flag for Japan in the men's game.
"Hideki Matsuyama is a superstar, so every Japanese player wants to catch up to Hideki," Nakajima told the DP World Tour.
"That’s why Japanese players are playing well now."
Nakajima, who won the Order of Merit on the JGTO last year to earn his DP World Tour card for this season, jumped to the top of the Asian Swing standings with his win in his 11th start.
The result also put him on a good path to emulate countryman Hisatsune in obtaining Dual Membership via the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex.
Such an achievement is a source of motivation for Nakajima, who spent 87 weeks at the top of the World Amateur Golf Ranking earlier in his career.
"It’s good for me (to see other Japanese players winning)," he reflected. "Every Japanese player wants to play on the global stage."
World Number 77 Nakajima is the top-ranked Japanese in the field this week for the penultimate event of the Asian Swing, with focus only heightened on his ongoing rise in the game as he looks to star on home soil and boost his bid for a first U.S. PGA Championship start by finishing as one of the top three non exempt players on the swing standings.
Such is his desire to impress again, the 23-year-old has practiced "every day" in the lead up to his homecoming at Taiheiyo Club's Gotemba Course.
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"I’m very excited to play in my home country," he said. "The game is still good, the same as I felt in India, so I want to play well this week. I’ll do my best.
"I feel a bit of pressure, but it’s fun. It will be a fun week playing in front of Japanese fans."
As if his form so far this year - which includes a top-five finish in Ras Al Khaimah - was not enough reason for optimism, Nakajima also has fond memories of this week's host venue.
He is the joint course record holder, having recorded a seven-under-par 67 as an amateur at the Taiheiyo Masters on the JGTO in 2019.
Despite his familiarity with the course, Nakajima is in no doubt about the challenges that those teeing it up will face.
"This course has very fast greens, so reading them is very important to play well here," he outlined. "Off the tee, there are some dog-legs, so pick your target, breathe, swing."
