Artemio Murakami

Picked up the game when he was nine, following his father, who is Japanese, to the driving range. As he was born in the Philippines, Artemio has maintained dual citizenship. Developed into a steady amateur player, representing the Philippines team in 1999 and 2000 before giving up the game briefly. Upon encouragement from Frankie Minoza, Artemio rededicated himself to the game and played for the national side again in 2004 and 2005 before turning professional at the end of the year. Artemio caddied for Minoza for a full season in 2003 in Japan during his sabbatical. Artemio said: "I enjoyed the experience, I found out why he's the best Filipino. The way he plays, the way he thinks, his attitude on the golf course, everything was spot on. He influenced me to start playing golf again and he's my mentor."
Competes primarily on the Asian Tour, where he owns one victory, the 2007 Iskandar Johor Openâ?¦Also won the 2007 Omega Invitational and the 1999 Philippine Amateur Championship..Qualified for first U.S. Open by earning one of two available spots at Japan sectional on May 26.

2008 Asian Tour results:
SEASON TOURNAMENT FINANCIAL
Code Name Date Class Pos. Score Par Rounds Gross
2008 ASTRO INDONESIA OPEN Feb-14-08 208 156 DSQ - - * * 0
2008 JOHNNIE WALKER CLASSIC 2008 Feb-28-08 207 87= 145 1 74 71 * * 0
2008 MAYBANK MALAYSIAN OPEN 2008 Mar-06-08 208 26= 278 -10 69 71 73 65 18,400.00
2008 BALLANTINE'S CHAMPIONSHIP 2008 Mar-13-08 207 97= 148 4 73 75 * * 0
2008 ASIAN TOUR INTERNATIONAL Mar-20-08 208 97= 144 Par 71 73 * * 0
2008 PHILIPPINE OPEN 2008 Apr-03-08 208 12 289 1 71 76 73 69 5,061.00
2008 VOLVO CHINA OPEN 2008 Apr-17-08 208 141= 157 13 81 76 * * 0
2008 BMW ASIAN OPEN 2008 Apr-24-08 208 139= 156 12 76 80 * * 0
2008 27th GS CALTEX MAEKYUNG OPEN May-01-08 208 75 RTD 72 74 - - 0
2008 PINE VALLEY BEIJING OPEN 2008 May-08-08 208 13= 284 -4 71 69 73 71 14,745.00