The key facts

  • Yuto Katsuragawa won the Genesis Championship by two strokes over the French pair Frédéric Lacroix and Martin Couvra
  • In the third round he matched the course record with a 63, and shot par (71) in the final
  • The win brings a tour card for next year and a place in the playoffs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Victory by two strokes

Japanese golfer Yuto Katsuragawa won the Genesis Championship, a DP World Tour event held in South Korea, AFP reports. Leading after three rounds, he held on to his advantage and finished two strokes ahead of the French duo of Frédéric Lacroix and Martin Couvra. The tournament was played at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club course.

How the final day unfolded

In Saturday's third round, the 28-year-old Katsuragawa matched the course record with a 63. On Sunday he closed with an even-par final round (71) — one birdie and one bogey — which was enough for the trophy. It is his second DP World Tour victory and his first since 2024.

The winner's words

“After my first win, things were very hard for me, I struggled back then,” Katsuragawa said. “But this second win is definitely the best moment of my life.” He added that he had kept a good feeling from his maiden triumph and had been chasing a second victory: “Playing on the DP World Tour is what I need in life, and I'm really happy to be playing in Dubai.”

Practical consequences

The victory secured the Japanese player a tour card for next season, as well as a place in the season-ending playoffs in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Reigning Open champion Ryan Fox finished three strokes behind the leader after a final round of 70 (one under par). For Katsuragawa, taking part in the Dubai event carries special significance, he said.