
Yuta Ikeda
Japan (JPN)
Born in Chiba, Ikeda was inspired by his great idol, Jumbo Ozaki, who became a trailblazer for Japanese golf in the latter decades of the 20th century. Won the Japanese Junior Championships in successive years in 2002 and 2003 after turning professional in 2008. Made a quick start to his pro career, winning on the Japan Challenge Tour in his first season. Made a huge impact on the Japan Golf Tour over the next few years. He won four times in each of his first two full seasons in Japan, in 2009 and 2010, and has added at least one tournament win per year subsequently. The most recent success in 2016 came at the Panasonic Open, co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour. Has played in all four majors, the best finish being a tie for 29th at the 2010 Masters.