Tokyo Golfer

2016 Aki Cup Sponsored by Air Golf #7 Report: Manago CC

Aki Cuppers before tee off

Aki Cup golfers braved a wet autumn day for the seventh leg of the 2016 Aki Cup Sponsored by Air Golf. At the Arnold Palmer designed Manago CC course in Tochigi yesterday, Chris Hurquin shot a net 65 (gross 85) to take first place and 405 Aki Cup points.

Winner Chris Hurquin gets ready on the par three #2 (Satsuki)

Chris's gross 85 tied his personal best and included 3 birdies and a near eagle. Chris attributed his strong play to "very accurate irons and decent driving." The win moved him into fourth place in the overall points race with 1,195 points.

From left, Tom, Joni, and John before some of the autumn
colors (kouyou) that could be found around the course

Tom Moore also played well and finished with the low gross (79) and a net 69 for second place and 293 points. His finish moved him into first place in the overall race with 1,339 points. Steve Novosel took third with a net 73 (gross 90) for 218 points.

Yasu putts without fear of Chris's near eagle orange ball next to the hole

Manago CC was Arnold Palmer's first design in Japan. It has three 9 hole courses and Aki Cuppers played the Satsuki (Azalea) and Sazanka (Camellia) Courses. The course is a bit hilly but has some beautiful vistas and spectacular colors in the autumn. Golfers who play well here are usually rewarded with lower scores.

In the overall points race after leader Tom Moore, Hiroe Sakai is in second place with 1,317 points.

Yasu tees off on Sazanka #3

Special thanks to Steve Novosel for arranging the event. The Aki Cup Finale #8, will be played next week at Tsutsujigaoka CC. The Finale has double points, meaning the winner will score 1,000 in the event. A few spots are still available.