Who Is Yuto Katsuragawa? Meet the 25-Year-Old DP World Tour Winner

Yuto Katsuragawa represents the new wave of Japanese golfers making their impact on the international scene. Born on October 9, 1998, in Kiyosu, Japan, he has already made a name for himself in the professional golf world. At the age of just 25, he has earned a spot in the historic 150th Open Championship to be held at the iconic grounds of St. Andrews. His qualification for one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments is a testament to his intense dedication to the sport and rapid rise through the ranks.

Katsuragawa’s rise has been exceptionally rapid. After finishing in joint 21st place as an amateur at the 2020 Japan Open, he became a professional in 2021. He created a name for himself right away, winning his first professional competition in 2022 at the ISPS Handa Championship.

After graduating from Nihon University and taking up the game professionally in 2020, Katsuragawa did not waste any time in exhibiting his abilities. Even though his professional career has only lasted a short while, he has already earned $51,644 on the PGA Tour. His most recent win at the DPWT’s 2024 ISPS Handa Championship in Japan proves his excellent form and solidifies him as a great golfer in the making. He has competed in 52 events so far and has played one event on the PGA Tour 2024 season. It was the season opener wherein he finished at T74.

He may not have a commanding presence on the course at 5’6″ and 154 pounds, but his play speaks loudly, and it sure did when he got the invitation to the 150th edition of The Open.

How did Yuto Katsuragawa qualify for the Open Championship?

At the 2022 SMBC Singapore Open, Yuto Katsuragawa’s journey to the Open Championship took an unexpected turn. Katsuragawa gave a performance that would change the course of his career. Playing with maturity beyond his years, he finished the round with a bogey-free 68. Katsuragawa and top Asian Tour player Joohyung Kim were tied for second place.

He was awarded one of the coveted slots in the Open Qualifying Series for this outstanding performance. “St Andrews, here I come!” he exclaimed ecstatically. “This is amazing – I’m going to the Home of Golf!” Even with his early success, Katsuragawa doesn’t waver.  “I never actually thought that I would be able to qualify,” he admitted. “So it will be one of the highlights of my golfing career being able to participate at such a special Championship and the 150th anniversary.”

Yuto Katsuragawa is realistic and understands that he still has a ways to go before becoming the best in his sport, even despite his early success. He presently stands at 434th in OWGR, and this year’s The Open will mark his second appearance. His first one was in 2022 when he finished at t47 with 5 under par.