Personal Information
Hiratsuka was born November 6, 1971, in Kyoto, Japan. He stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. He attended college at Nihon Taiiku University, and turned professional in 1994.
Japan Golf Tour Victories
Hiratsuka first played a Japan Golf Tour event in 1998. Since 2003, he has claimed victory in five events. The first, in 2003, was at the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup. He's been a consistent winner since then, winning in 2004 at the Mitsubishi Diamond Cup Golf; in 2006 at the Woodone Open Hiroshima; in 2007 at the Mitsubishi Diamond Cup Golf; and in 2009 at The Crowns.
Major Tournament Appearances
Hiratsuka has appeared in two major tournaments, both in 2004. He finished in a tie for 36th place at the British Open Championship, and failed to make the cut at the PGA Championship.
Money Ranking
Since finishing 227th and 108th on the money list of the Japan Golf Tour in 1998 and 1999, respectively, Hiratsuka has generally been in the top 50, and sometimes higher. He was first on the list in 2003; fifth in 2006; and ninth in 2009.
Personal Bests
During four tournaments, Hiratsuka has tied his lowest stroke total for a round, with 63. One of those was the third round of the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup in 2003, which he won. Three times, he has birdied half of the holes during an 18-hole round, but never during a tournament in which he has prevailed.
About The Author
Larry Anderson has been a freelance writer since 2000. He has covered a wide variety of topics, from golf and baseball to hunting and fishing. His work has appeared in numerous print and online publications, including "Fargo Forum" newspaper. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Arts in print journalism from Concordia College.
