Kobori and Jones move into the professional ranks

New Zealand golfers Kazuma Kobori and Sam Jones were to turn professional after finishing sixth and 24th respectively at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Melbourne.

The only thing that would have stopped the pair from turning professional was a victory  as the winner earns starts at The Open in Britain and the United States Masters.

Kobori was in the hunt through three rounds with scores of 66, 75, and 74, and snuck into the final group alongside the round three leader, Sampson Zheng. 

But he got off to a lacklustre start, bogeying four of his opening six holes to all but end his title hopes. However, he continued to fight and made two birdies, two bogeys, and an eagle coming in to shoot a final round 73.

Despite being disappointed he didn’t prolong his amateur career, he’s excited for his next golfing chapter.

 “Yeah, obviously disappointed that my last-ever round (as an amateur) was 73,’’ Kobori said.

``But very fortunate to have done it at Royal Melbourne, such a great venue, so very happy.

“I don't really know what to expect because I've played amateur golf for the last 12 years.’'

Kobori has countless amateur highlights. He recently won the individual title at the Eisenhower Trophy in the United Arab Emirates, won the Western Amateur in the United States and Australian Amateur this year, as well as being medallist at Australasian Tour school this year. He has full playing status on the Australasian Tour.

Jones, from Taranaki, heads to DP World Tour stage two qualifying.

The 27-year-old finished 13 over par at Royal Melbourne with rounds of 72, 76, 73, and 76.

Despite not having his best form, Jones was pleased he could take a lot from the week.

“I’m a little frustrated with today’s play and overall this week,’’ Jones said.

``Walking up 18, it kind of hit me that this was my last event as an amateur, but it’s not like I’m not playing anymore, it’s just going to be a little bit different playing for some money and for my livelihood. 

``I’m really excited to get into it – it’s going to be busy and it’s going to be tough, but I’m excited.”

Jones has a ton of amateur highlights. He’s a two-time Charles Tour winner, he’s won many Golf New Zealand order of merit events, and won the 2021 New Zealand Interprovincials with Taranaki.

Jones said it had been a wild ride as an amateur golfer.

“Once I came back from college if you had told me I would win 11 or 12 order of merit events and finish second in a handful of Charles Tour events, I’m not sure I would have believed you. It’s been a gradual progression each year.''

Another Kiwi to perform admirably at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship was Napier’s Zack Swanwick, who finished as the second-highest Kiwi behind Kobori in a share of 12th.

Swanwick shot 72, 71, 77, and 74 to finish 10-over-par and said the week filled him with a ton of confidence moving forward, especially going into the Australian Open in a  a month’s time.

“It was a great week,’’ Swanwick said.

``I wish I could have played a bit better, but that’s life. I really enjoyed it – it’s been a great experience, and I’m keen to come back next year and get my revenge.”

Meanwhile fellow New Zealander Jimmy Zheng finished tied with Swanwick at 10-over, with Jayden Ford of Wellington finishing three shots further back at 13-over, a shot behind Jones.

Mako Thompson finished 15-over in equal 31st, with Josh Bai finishing in a tie for 56th at 23-over.