As the 161st-ranked player in the world, Hiroshi Iwata is apparently not a recognizable figure or a household name – even in his homeland.
That was made painfully clear earlier this week.
“Someone asked me if I was a caddie when I was having a meal,” Iwata told reporters Thursday at the Zozo Championship. “Events like that would get you more fired up to play well than someone giving you compliments. I don’t want to get into the details, but this person was not a player.”
Motivated by the slight, Iwata shot a 7-under 63 to lead the way at Narashino Country Club.