THE MODERATOR: We're pleased to be joined by Takumi Kanaya former No. 1 in the amateur ranking. Just tell us your thoughts about making a PGA Tour start this week.
TAKUMI KANAYA: I've been able to play this tournament twice before but I failed to make the cut both times, so this week, I would definitely like to make the cut.
Q. What are your thoughts on the golf course? What do you need to -- what are the points to play this course well?
TAKUMI KANAYA: This golf course gets a lot of impact from the wind around this area, so I think controlling the ball will be very key to playing well this week.
Q. Your thoughts going into the last tournament of the year, did you know what you had to do to finish Top-50 in the world?
TAKUMI KANAYA: I just focus on playing good golf because that will automatically get me into Top-50, so one tournament at a time, I focused on playing well.
Q. You played good toward the end of the year. What are your hopes for this year, in terms of playing Japan golf tour, or would you like to play more on the PGA TOUR?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Yeah, hopefully more U.S. PGA or Europe, I want to play.
Q. Have you played much on The European Tour?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Next, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, a couple tournaments I play.
Q. How many?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Four events last year.
Q. What kind of an influence has Hideki been in terms of staying in school and playing good golf?
TAKUMI KANAYA: First and foremost, his playing self is second-to-none, and not only me but a lot of the Japanese players have been inspired to play well on U.S. soil.
Q. Where were you when he won the Masters last year, and what was that like?
TAKUMI KANAYA: I was simply watching the telecast and cheering him on in hotel prior to the tournament that I was playing in, and I was very inspired by his win.
Q. How did you play after you watched him?
TAKUMI KANAYA: He won the tournament on JGTO that week.
Q. Was it the Nippon?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Token.
Q. How do you think it will be playing the Masters this year compared with when you were there as Asia Pacific winner as an amateur?
TAKUMI KANAYA: When I was there playing as an amateur, I was simply there for the experience. But this year, playing as a professional, the Masters will be a key event for me to earn the card for PGA TOUR or European Tour.
Q. Do you have a favorite baseball team?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
Q. Is it because it's close?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Yeah, my hometown is Hiroshima.
Q. Do you have a favorite U.S. Team?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Basketball, L.A. Lakers.
Q. You're not tall enough for basketball; did you play?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Just fun.
Q. So here, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and then, what next? Because Japan doesn't start until I think week after the Masters or thereabout.
TAKUMI KANAYA: Hopefully, I want to play Arnold Palmer / Bay Hill and THE PLAYERS. Wanted more rankings, still Top-50, I can play more events, U.S. events, and WGC in March.
Q. Did you play in the Match Play event?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Not yet.
Q. When was your last time (to play) match play?
TAKUMI KANAYA: Amateur.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports