Shaun Norris finished up his 2021 season on the Japan Golf Tour on Sunday in a share of 15th in the SMBC VISA Taiheiyo Masters, taking him to seventh place on the money rankings.
He rounded out his year with a one-over-par 71, making three birdies and four bogeys to finish the week at two-over-par, eight shots behind the winner Hideto Tanihara. Tanihara had a one-stroke edge over Takumi Kanaya.
“It was really tough year due to the COVID pandemic, but I am satisfied with my results,” said Norris. “Next season I want to try to win three times and capture the Order of Merit title.”
Nossis lost out to Shugo Imahira and finished second on the Money list in 2018 and 2019. Then, in the prolonged 2020-21 season, he couldn’t play from the start due to pandemic restrictions. But he won twice this season at the Golf Partner PRO-AM Tournament in May and in the Japan Open in October.
He also left a gift to Japan, which he loves so much. He donated the winner’s prize he received at the Golf Partner PRO-AM, 180kg of a top Japanese rice, Koshihikari, to the children’s charity meal organization in Tsukuba Mirai City where the tournament was held. “I know there are so many in difficult situations due to this pandemic and I wanted to help in any way that I could,” said Norris. “I will try my best to defend my title next year and make the local fans happy again.”
He will be flying back home to South Africa to be sure he can play in the South African Open Championship.
Jbe’ Kruger finished in a share of 32nd, and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent missed the cut.