Suguru Shimoke, a professional golfer from Hirakata City, Osaka, is making his comeback at a tournament close to home after a painful car accident. The 26-year-old, who honed his skills as an ace player for Osaka Gakuin University’s golf team in Suita, is competing in the Kansai Open, a championship celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
Shimoke had been a regular participant from his amateur days (2021 to 2023) and is eager to perform in the milestone event. “I’ve been supported since my university days, so I want to give my best,” he said, but admitted his body is not yet fully recovered.
Just two weeks ago, during a practice session for the “Chunichi Crowns,” his car was rear-ended on a highway. “I suffered whiplash…”, he explained, leading to a painful withdrawal. After a medical check-up, he also discovered a mild herniated disc. “I’m still in rehabilitation,” he added.
On the practice day before the tournament’s opening, Shimoke took a cautious course inspection with university senior Yujiro Ohori and others. Though he frequently visited nearby driving ranges during his student days, the prestigious Ibaraki Country Club course remains largely unfamiliar. His only prior round came as a sponsored invite after turning professional in 2023. “This is my first time in an actual tournament. The fairways are narrow, the rough is deep—it’s tough,” he admitted. “I’ll focus on keeping the fairway.”
Shimoke secured his first tour victory at the “Vantelin Tokai Classic” last October, gradually boosting his profile. He has increasingly received guidance from respected senior pro Hiroshi Iwata, especially on his short game—an area of focus during the off-season.
His university classmate, Tsubasa Ukita, recently won his first professional title at the “ACN Tour JAPAN PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP CHALLENGE in FUKUI.” Shimoke immediately congratulated him via LINE, adding an emoji. “Seeing a classmate succeed pushes me. It’s very inspiring,” he shared, vowing to battle alongside his close friend on their home turf.