Star tour rookie Hideki Matsuyama, who signed a multiyear deal with sporting manufacturer Dunlop on Monday, said he is turning his focus this summer overseas as he aims to attain his PGA card for next season.
"I want to compete in tournaments in the United States, earn as much as I can and shoot for my PGA card," said Matsuyama, who has earned a trip to the Open Championship in Muirfield starting July 18 as this season's money leader on the JGTO tour.
After this year's third major, Matsuyama will head north to take part in the Canadian Open getting under way July 25. He has also plans to play in the PGA Championship from Aug. 8.
"I have loved using these (Dunlop) clubs since my junior years in golf, and since they have become my sponsor I really have to do my best," said Matsuyama.
In October, the top 125 money winners on the PGA tour will receive a tour card for the 2013-2014 season, which will exempt them from qualifying for most of next year's tournaments. Matsuyama, who has two victories on the JGTO tour since turning pro in April, finished in 10th at the this year's U.S. Open, earning him $168,530.
The 21-year-old Ehime native will receive a three-year exemption for the JGTO tour from next year.
