The Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) welcomed a historic addition to its calendar this summer as the inaugural Richard Mille Charity Tournament unfolded at the scenic Noto Country Club from July 31 to August 3, 2025. Blending elite competition with a strong commitment to community and recovery, the event was a showcase of sporting excellence and social responsibility.
Unlike any other stop on the JGTO, the Richard Mille Charity Tournament was designed with philanthropy at its core. In collaboration with Richard Mille Japan, the event channeled funds toward recovery efforts for the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and heavy rain disasters, while also nurturing the future of Japanese golf through junior development programs. “This tournament gives players a chance to share the seriousness and passion of the sport directly with fans, while also contributing to causes that matter deeply,” said Japanese golf icon Ryo Ishikawa ahead of the opening round.
From charity-driven activities such as Hole-in-One Challenges to the Richard Mille Charity Pair Match, every aspect of the event was tied to making a tangible impact. Five percent of the prize fund, alongside additional donations, was pledged to Ishikawa Prefecture through the Richard Mille Japan Foundation.
Nestled between the Japan Sea and rolling hills, Noto Country Club’s twin layouts—the Japan Sea and Hamanasu Courses—provided a breathtaking backdrop for the four-day, 72-hole stroke play tournament. The venue was more than just a stage for world-class golf; it became a hub for cultural exchange. At the Gallery Plaza, local food and crafts curated in partnership with the Hodatsushimizu Town Chamber of Commerce and the Wajima Morning Market Union brought a taste of Ishikawa to fans, while junior golfers engaged in live lessons and interactive events with the pros.
The tournament carried a ¥100 million prize purse, with ¥20 million awarded to the winner. A strong 144-player field featured JGTO stars and sponsor invitees, making the battle for the inaugural title one of the season’s most anticipated showdowns.
Day one saw Riki Kawamoto, searching for his first win in three years, light up the leaderboard with a flawless nine-under 63, setting an early pace. Hot on his heels were eight contenders at 65, including seasoned campaigners Masahiro Kawamura and Daisuke Kataoka. By Saturday, Kawamoto remained on top, carding a steady 68 to reach 19-under, but rising stars like Ryunosuke Furukawa and Taiga Semikawa were closing in fast. The stage was set for a final-round thriller.
In a dramatic twist on Sunday, Tomoyo Ikemura stormed from three shots back to capture the title with a bogey-free 64, finishing at 24-under-par 264. His back-nine charge—highlighted by an eagle at 14 and birdies on 15 and 16—sealed his third JGTO title, leaving a stunned Kawamoto two strokes adrift. “I knew I needed something special,” said Ikemura. “My stamina and focus paid off when it mattered most.”
While Ikemura celebrated his win, the tournament’s true triumph lay in its charitable mission. From ¥10,000 pledges for birdies and eagles in the Pair Match to donation boxes and community-driven initiatives, the event raised significant funds for disaster recovery and junior golf programs. Children enjoyed SNAG golf clinics, escort experiences with top players, and even live commentary sessions, creating memories that will inspire the next generation of Japanese golfers.
With its successful debut, the Richard Mille Charity Tournament is poised to become a flagship event on the JGTO calendar. Its blend of top-tier competition, cultural celebration, and meaningful charity work sets a new benchmark for how sport can make a difference.
Tournament Final Results
