TOKYO — Yusaku Hosono has booked his place at the 2027 Masters and The Open Championship after a two-shot victory at the Japan Open Golf Championship at Tarao Country Club. The Japanese left-hander carded rounds of 65, 64, 68 and 70 to hold off Yusuke Sakamoto and secure the national title, earning invitations to both Majors.
The triumph was Hosono’s second of an impressive season following victory at the Japan PGA Championship Senko Group Cup in May, but his home open success carries greater significance. In September, Augusta National Golf Club and The R&A confirmed their alignment that began in 2025 will continue, with winners of select national opens receiving invites to both the Masters and The Open, including the Japan Open.
Hosono’s visit to Augusta National in April will mark his maiden Major appearance, while The Open will be staged at the Home of Golf, the Old Course at St Andrews, for its 155th edition. He is the third player to secure places at both Majors in 2027 through the joint initiative, following Tom Kim via victory at the Genesis Scottish Open and Grant Forrest, who a week ago won the Open de Espana to earn his first Masters start and first Open appearance since 2018.
Further invitations remain, with winners of next week’s Hong Kong Open, December’s Australian Open and March’s South African Open also set to receive spots at Augusta and St Andrews. Hosono joins an illustrious roll of honour at the Japan Open that includes compatriot Hideki Matsuyama and Seve Ballesteros.