Higa becomes first Japanese golfer to win Asian Tour Order of Merit

HONG KONG: Kazuki Higa made history as the first golfer from Japan to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit after finishing seventh at the season-ending Saudi Open. Higa carded a four-under-par 68 in Saturday’s final round at Dirab Golf and Country Club, near Riyadh, to finish on 16-under, seven behind the winner Bjorn Hellgren of Sweden. It was enough to see Higa top the standings ahead of Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent. “I am so, so happy. This is a great honor,” said the 30-year-old Higa. “I just love playing golf. That’s what it’s about.