Shingo Katayama

Residence: Tokyo, Japan

DOB: 31/01/1973

Shingo Katayama is one of a growing band of fine young Japanese golfers who made their name playing on the PGA Tour. He became a fan favourite when he finished 4th in the 2001 PGA Championship. His bubbly personality, trademark hat and fine shot making caught every-one's attention especially when he warmed up on the practice range each day by hitting shots left-handed. He turned professional in 1995 and has played full time on the Japan Golf Tour since 1997. He topped the Japan Golf Tour money list four times; in 2000, 2004, 2005 and 2006. At age 27 he was the youngest earnings leader since 26-year-old Jumbo Ozaki in 1973. After failing to retain his card on the PGA Tour he has returned to his native tour where he has always enjoyed most of his success. He has won 25 tournaments on the Japan Golf Tour; ranking 7th on the career wins list and ranked 4th on the career money list with over ¥1.2 billion. 2008 has been another fruitful year for Shingo on the JPGA Tour. 11 top-10 finishes and 2 wins in 2 of the more prestigious tournaments (The Japan Open Golf Championship and the Japan PGA Championship) have seen him rise to a career high World Ranking of 43. He is the only player in the top-50 not to play the majority of their golf on either of the 2 main tours, showing that consistency can be as rewarding as a few good weeks each year.