Ryo Hisatsune becomes first Japanese player to be named DP World Tour rookie of year

Hisatsune won the Cazoo Open de France and recorded a further seven top 10s to finish 17th on the Race to Dubai, the 21-year-old having earned his card via the qualifying school in November 2022.

The world number 81 was chosen by a panel comprising three members of the DP World Tour's Tournament Committee and three DP World Tour Executives, coming out on top ahead of the likes of Ryder Cup star Ludvig Aberg and Open Championship runner-up Tom Kim.

Hisatsune was outside the world's top 200 at the start of the 2023 season. Three years ago, he lost his card on Japan's leading tour.

He is preparing to play against the best in the world on the other side of the Atlantic after finishing among the top 10 players in the European tour's season-ending Race to Dubai rankings who were not already exempt for the PGA Tour.

"I'm so happy, it's such a surprise," Hisatsune said. "Winning the Open de France was amazing for me. I've been working so hard and it was such a good result.

"I was so happy and very honoured to become a Japanese winner on the DP World Tour. Three years ago, I missed my card at Q School in Japan, so I went on Japan's second tier, won three times and got a Japan Tour Card.

"Finally I got a DP World Tour card last year and now I've also got a PGA TOUR card. I'm excited and I’m so happy."

Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm are among the previous recipients of the award.

READ MORE: Dean Burmester overhauls faltering Thirston Lawrence to win Joburg Open