Kazuma Kobori has stolen the early spotlight for New Zealand golfers in 2023 by taking out the Australian Amateur tournament at the New South Wales Golf Club.
Kobori, who has been a rising star amongst the Kiwi ranks since taking out the New Zealand PGA Championship in 2019 as a 17-year-old, fired a closing 6-under par 66 to seal the victory, the biggest of his amateur career to date.
Starting the day tied for the lead after rounds of 69, 65 and 73, Kobori shot the round of the day when it counted, landing six birdies and an eagle as part of a closing 66 which left him two shots ahead of his closest rivals Arron Edwards-Hill (England) and Taishi Moto (Japan).
“I’m stoked, actually,” he said. “We had a really good battle, Taishi and me, and Arron was putting pressure on as well. I’m stoked to get over the line.”
The 21-year-old was suitably showered with water by the other Kiwis in the field immediately after finishing with a birdie on 18 to cap the round.
