Kazuma Kobori, recently crowned Number One on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia's Order of Merit, is ready to make the most of his opportunity at the Hero Indian Open as he prepares to take up full playing rights on the DP World Tour in 2025.
Kobori grabbed plenty of headlines at the start of 2024 when he claimed three titles on the PGATA in the space of four weeks to win the Order of Merit and secure playing rights on the DP World Tour for next season.
The New Zealander, who only turned professional in November, had numerous successes as an amateur that include winning the individual Eisenhower Trophy in 2023 before his break-out start as a professional.
He had earned his PGATA Tour card by winning Qualifying School last April, and his impressive run of results gave him an unassailable lead that guaranteed he will tee it up on the DP World Tour next season.
Until that time when he becomes a member, the 22-year-old is trying to make the most of starts and invitations that come his way on Tour, starting with the Hero Indian Open.
Leaning on familiar faces in the game, Kobori said he is feeling positive about his first start on the DP World Tour outside of Australasia this week.
"I’m feeling fantastic," he told the DP World Tour.
"Feeling very blessed to be here. I’m not a member of the DP World Tour yet, so any start I can get is fantastic and I’m looking forward to getting the week underway.
"(I’ve spoken with) Sam Jones, fellow countryman, Dan Hillier as well, I played with him at the NZ Open a month ago. Also David Micheluzzi, who played very well last week and I’m playing a practice round with him as well. So a few guys to give me some insight.
"Right now I’m not a member, so any start I can get is like a free run until I start my exemption category in November. I’m just trying to take it all in and figure out how my game translates.
"The boys reckon it’s a good test. Pretty long and some thick rough. Fairway finding will be key and hopefully we can do that.
"It’s inspiring (being alongside DP World Tour members). It goes to show I’ve come a wee way since turning professional in November. It’s been a pretty quick journey. Just looking forward to learning a lot this week and a hopefully on a few more weeks to come."
