Kurt Kitayama is a PGA Tour winner again after he netted the 3M Open to make it two wins and seal his card for another few seasons.
Kitayama was without a win on TOUR since he nabbed the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The American was in fine form around TPC Twin Cities. Kitayama carded a record 20 birdies in his final two rounds to win by one shot over Sam Stevens.
For the 32-year-old, it means he can now rest easy in the knowledge he has his tour card secured for a couple more years at least.
However, some wins mean more than others and for Kitayama, it was very much a family affair as he revealed his immediate chat with his Father post-round.
Kurt Kitayama shares what his Father told him at winning the 3M Open
It really was good to see Kitayama playing so well and getting back to being a winner.
A player of his quality should have more than two wins to his name and this might well start a bit of a run where he’s in contention more.
Still, it seems that not all his family are able to tune in and handle the pressure like Kitayama did.
“Really cool to see them. Well, my dad — my mom didn’t answer so I called my dad. I assumed they would be together,” Kitayama revealed to the press when asked about the importance of his family.
“My dad tells me my mom couldn’t watch, she was I think out somewhere so she couldn’t be too nervous watching. Then called my girlfriend and she was ecstatic. Stressed. It’s really special to be able to call them and see how they are.”
Kurt Kitayama says why having his brother as caddie means so much
It’s always extra special when we see players and family members win together and over the years we’ve seen emotional stories with Bob MacIntyre in recent years.
And while Kitayama got to involve his parents on the phone, he also got to enjoy the moment with his brother on his bag.
“Yeah, this win’s going to be extra special having him on the bag. Very cool experience and really happy he’s part of it,” Kitayama continued when pressed on having his sibling alongside him.
Asked if it helped him keep calm, Kitayama admitted it very much contributed.
“Yeah, of course. You know, he helped me stay calm out there, make good decisions, and yeah, just helps having family on the bag,” he added.
Kitayama boosts his bank balance by a cool $1.5m by winning in what is another bonus for him and his family.
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