Matsuyama among four to survive IFQ-Asia
March 1, 2013 - 9:30 AM ET
Hideki Matsuyama shot 9-under-par 66-69=135 at Amati Springs Country Club in Thailand to secure one of four berths into The Open Championship via Asia's International Final Qualifying.
Matsuyama sits fifth in the World Amateur Golf Ranking but he's easily the most noticeable amateur on the world stage as most of the elite are playing collegiately. Despite turning 21 on Monday, the Japanese talent suffered no hangover during the two-day qualifier. He offset five bogeys and a double with 16 birdies to earn runner-up honors. Kiradech Aphibarnrat was the medalist at 13-under 68-63=131. The Thai holed 14 birdies against just one bogey. Ashun Wu (8-under 68-68=136) and former PGA TOUR member Daisuke Maruyama (71-65=136) shared third place to round out the qualifiers. Notables that failed to book a tee time at Muirfield in July include: 139--Scott Hend; Yuta Ikeda; Prom Meesawat; Prayad Marksaeng ... 140--Anthony Kang ... 142--Jonathan Moore ... 144--Yusaku Miyazato ... 148--Azuma Yano ... 150--Sam Cyr; Gaganjeet Bhullar ... 153--Tetsuji Hiratsuka ... 154--Pariya Junhasavasdikul.
