Riki Kawamoto from Japan is widely recognized as one of the most powerful hitters in professional golf, having led the Japan Golf Tour (JGTO) in Driving Distance for the 2025 season with an average of over 316 yards. A graduate of Nippon Sport Science University, Kawamoto burst onto the scene in 2022 with two victories in his rookie season.
His 2025 campaign was defined by remarkable consistency and near-misses. He finished 14th on the JGTO Money List, highlighted by three runner-up finishes: a tied-2nd at the prestigious Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, a 2nd place at the Richard Mille Charity Tournament, and a tied-2nd at the Mizuno Open. The latter result earned him a spot in The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, marking his return to major championship golf. He also recorded a strong tied-4th finish at the Japan Open, further proving his ability to compete on the toughest setups.
