A remarkable second-round performance of 61 strokes earned Japanese golfer Ryuichi Oiwa his first major championship appearance, securing a berth in next month’s U.S. Open alongside two fellow countrymen.
The 28-year-old completed the two-day qualifying tournament in Hino, Japan, with a total score of 12-under 128, edging out Kaito Onishi by one shot and Taihei Sato by two strokes to claim the top qualifying position.
Two additional Japanese players, Riki Kawamoto and Taichi Nabetani, who placed fourth and fifth respectively, will serve as first and second alternates for the major championship scheduled for June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y.
Currently ranked 378th globally, Oiwa competes primarily on the Japan Tour and will be making his debut appearance in a Grand Slam event.
His qualifying campaign began with a 3-under 67 at Hino Golf Club’s King Course, a round that featured five birdies but was marred by a double-bogey on the par-4 14th hole. His spectacular follow-up round included nine birdies without a single bogey, highlighted by three consecutive birdies on holes 15 through 17.
Onishi, age 27 and ranked 811th worldwide, has appeared in 32 PGA Tour events and currently plays on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he captured the UNC Health Championship tournament in 2024.
The 27-year-old reached 11-under par with rounds of 64 and 65, bouncing back from a double-bogey on the par-4 13th hole in his final round by recording birdies on the 14th, 16th, and 17th holes.
Sato, 32, holds the 424th position in world rankings and recently earned his inaugural Japan Tour victory at the Fortinet Players Cup in 2025.
The 32-year-old completed qualifying at 10-under par with rounds of 66 and 64, including an eventful opening nine holes that featured two bogeys, three birdies, and an eagle.
