Former Major Leaguer Koji Uehara Appointed as Golf Network Special MAJOR Ambassador! Will Energize Overseas Men's Major Tournaments!

Jupiter Golf Network Co., Ltd. (Koto-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hideyuki Kimura), which operates the CS broadcast "Golf Network," announces that former Major League Baseball player Koji Uehara will be appointed as "Special MAJOR Ambassador" (SMA) for the 2026 overseas men's major golf tournaments. Uehara will appear as a guest on live broadcasts of three tournaments: "The 108th PGA Championship" (May 14-17), "The 126th U.S. Open Golf Championship" (June 18-21), and "The 154th Open Championship" (July 16-19). (Please check Golf Network's official website or social media for Uehara's appearance dates and times). He will bring a new perspective to Golf Network's coverage, not only from a golfer's point of view but also as a top athlete who has competed on the world (MAJOR) stage. In addition to broadcasts, a special dialogue project between Golf Network commentator Nobuhito Sato and Koji Uehara will be realized. The content will not only cover the charm of major tournaments but also the tension of playing on the world stage and the golf situation of baseball players, making it enjoyable for those who do not usually watch golf tours. This can be viewed on Golf Network's YouTube channel. Furthermore, for the PGA Championship, Golf Network will deliver original footage closely following Japanese players (for original footage of subsequent tournaments, please check Golf Network's official website or social media). Golf Network provides long-hour live coverage that only a specialized golf channel can offer. From the qualifying rounds to the moment the winner is decided on the final day, as well as interviews with the jubilant winners and award ceremonies, the tournament will be delivered in its entirety. Please enjoy the new excitement created by Koji Uehara, known for his love of golf! [Koji Uehara] During his time at Tokai University Gyosei High School, he was an outfielder and backup pitcher. After one year of rōnin (studying for entrance exams), he entered Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences. During university, he focused on pitching and began to show his talent. In his third year, he was selected for the Japanese national team and started against Cuba, who had a 151-game winning streak in international tournaments at the time, in the 1997 Intercontinental Cup final, becoming the winning pitcher. In 1998, he joined the Yomiuri Giants as a first-round draft pick. In his rookie year, he achieved an excellent record of 20 wins and 4 losses, dominating the four major pitching categories: most wins, best ERA, most strikeouts, and best winning percentage, becoming the 10th player in history and the 3rd rookie to achieve a pitching quadruple crown, winning the Rookie of the Year and Sawamura Award. In 2004, he was selected for the Athens Olympics Japanese national team and won a bronze medal. In 2006, he was selected for the WBC Japanese national team, pitched in a critical game against Korea, becoming the winning pitcher, and contributed to Japan becoming the first WBC champion. In 2008, he struggled but made a comeback in the second half, contributing to a dramatic come-from-behind championship victory. In November, he declared FA to challenge Major League Baseball, and on January 14, he signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles, marking the birth of Major Leaguer Koji Uehara. During the 2011 season, he transferred to the Texas Rangers and contributed to their American League championship. In 2012, he signed with the Boston Red Sox, and from the middle of the 2013 season, he was appointed closer, leading to a division championship. He won the MVP in the American League Championship Series. He then contributed to winning the World Series, becoming the first Japanese pitcher to be on the mound for the final out. In 2016, he became a free agent and signed with the Chicago Cubs. In 2018, he signed with the Yomiuri Giants. In 2018, he achieved 100 wins, 100 saves, and 100 holds combined in Japan and the US. On May 20, 2019, he announced his retirement from active play. In 2022, he was inducted into the Professional Baseball Hall of Fame. He has appeared on numerous programs such as NHK Sunday Sports and TBS Sunday Morning. His official YouTube channel "Koji Uehara's Zatsudan Damashii" has reached 1 million subscribers (1.16 million as of May 2026). Overview of the tournaments to be broadcast: ◆ "The 108th PGA Championship" Dates: May 14 (Thu) - 17 (Sun), 2026 Venue: Aronimink Golf Club / Pennsylvania Previous Winner: Scottie Scheffler ◆ "The 126th U.S. Open Golf Championship" Dates: June 18 (Thu) - 21 (Sun), 2026 Venue: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club / New York Previous Winner: J.J. Spaun ◆ "The 154th Open Championship" Dates: July 16 (Thu) - 19 (Sun), 2026 Venue: Royal Birkdale Golf Club / England Previous Winner: Scottie Scheffler Japan's only golf specialty channel broadcasting golf programs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Live broadcasts of all rounds of the US PGA Tour (excluding some tournaments). Domestic tours focus on "Thorough 1st Hole Live Broadcast."