Yusaku Hosono Wins Japan Open, Books 2027 Masters, Open Spots

Yusaku Hosono won the Japan Open Golf Championship by two shots at Tarao Country Club, a victory that secures him starts in the 2027 Masters and the 2027 Open Championship at St Andrews.

How did Hosono win the Japan Open?

Hosono closed with rounds of 65, 64, 68 and 70 to beat Yusuke Sakamoto, picking up his second title of the season after winning the Japan PGA Championship Senko Group Cup in May. The win sends the left-hander to Augusta National for the first time and to the Old Course for his first Open start since the venue returns to St Andrews.

The invitations come through an arrangement between Augusta National Golf Club and the R&A that sends the winners of several national opens, including Japan'''s, to both majors. Hosono is the third player to qualify for both events through that pathway this year, following Tom Kim'''s win at the Genesis Scottish Open and Grant Forrest'''s victory at the Open de Espana. Winners of next week'''s Hong Kong Open, December'''s Australian Open and March'''s South African Open will also earn invitations.

Hosono joins past Japan Open champions Hideki Matsuyama and Seve Ballesteros on the tournament'''s list of winners.