Japanese golfer Ryuichi Oiwa has earned his place in next month's U.S. Open after a remarkable display during the qualifying rounds. His impressive second-round score of 61 propelled him to a leading finish, making him one of three Japanese players to secure a coveted spot in the major championship.
The qualifying tournament, held over 36 holes in Hino, Japan, saw Oiwa conclude with an aggregate score of 12-under 128. This put him a single stroke ahead of Kaito Onishi and two strokes clear of Taihei Sato, both of whom also qualified for the U.S. Open. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. Additionally, Riki Kawamoto and Taichi Nabetani, fellow Japanese golfers, earned the positions of first and second alternates, respectively.
Oiwa, who is 28 years old and currently ranked 378th globally, is a regular competitor on the Japan Tour. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is his first time qualifying for a Grand Slam tournament. His journey began with a solid 3-under 67 on the King Course at Hino Golf Club, a round that included five birdies but was marred by a double-bogey on the par-4 14th hole. However, he truly shone in his second round, delivering a flawless performance with nine birdies and no bogeys, including a remarkable streak of three consecutive birdies from holes 15 to 1.
Kaito Onishi, 27, currently holds the 811th position in the world rankings. He has participated in 32 PGA Tour events and is presently competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he claimed victory at the UNC Health Championship tournament in 2024. Onishi demonstrated his skill with rounds of 64 and 65, reaching 11-under par. Despite encountering a double-bogey on the par-4 13th hole in his second round, he quickly recovered with birdies on the 14th, 16th, and 17th holes.
Taihei Sato, aged 32 and ranked 424th in the world, secured his inaugural Japan Tour title at the Fortinet Players Cup in 2025. Sato concluded the qualifying event at 10-under par, posting scores of 66 and 64. His initial round was particularly dynamic, featuring two bogeys, three birdies, and an eagle on the front nine.
In a display of impressive golf, Ryuichi Oiwa's exceptional play secured him and two other Japanese golfers spots in the upcoming U.S. Open. His outstanding 61 in the second round solidified his position at the top of the qualifying event, marking a significant personal achievement and showcasing the strength of Japanese golf on the international stage.
