With the QT recommendation on the line and Chip solidly establishing himself as the favorite compared to everyone else, neither Kasane, Yashima, nor Ogura have much to worry about since all they have to do is get second place. Then one of them can face Chip in the final match and get the recommendation.
But of course, as the last hole is completely soaked after the rain storm in volume 3, they have far more to deal with than just facing off against Chip. Now each of them have to take risks in order to complete this match or get eliminated. Which risk will ultimately pay off…?
Well, not surprisingly, Kasane’s risk pays off far more than the others, and did that require some pinpoint accuracy!
After the match, all three attempt to reflect on what happened. For Yashima, whose disdain for women was apparent in the match due to how his sister treated his family, he began to look at himself and if his lifestyle led to his loss. For Ogura, his style of golfing might have been fine, but the pressure got to him — so why not call the man that wanted you to take over the family business? And for Kasane, she’s obviously glad to be one step closer to winning a ton of money, but she realizes she faces a significant challenge in Chip, who won his side of the bracket by eight strokes. That’s a lot in golf, and that sizable gulf is hard for Kasane to overlook, even if it’ll be a one-on-one match for the QT recommendation. She’ll have to find a way to solve that issue…and that might start with meeting an alcoholic craftsman…
Kasane no Tao is once again another great read. There are some pretty annoying editing errors that kind of take away some things, but I still enjoyed not only Kasane winning her side, but totally dropping Yashima and his punk attitude throughout the match with the win.
Though maybe the material is just that strong. Kasane no Tao gives a great explanation of golf that works within the moment. Like normally explaining gripping a club or the actual inner workings of fixing a putter should be boring, but in this manga, it’s done with vibrant interest. So between this and Kasane’s desire to win money and to prove she can become a pro, it really works out. Also helps that the character moments are endearing. Kasane’s parents, for example, made a surprise visit to see her, and those scenes were super heartfelt — especially when she had them meet her golf members.
Another example is with Chip, which also gives a reason why he can’t lose. Though it was explained a bit over the course of the past couple volumes, it went into detail in volume 4, where he goes over his family, the rough life he and his family had, his father leaving them, and how he ultimately decided that they shouldn’t have to live in poverty. In explaining this to Kasane, she really feels for him and his situation, especially when comparing it to where she and her family is at.
But that doesn’t mean Kasane can let him win unimpeded. Both have their own motivations and have to see their own goals through. Combine that along with the boys still doubting her skills (outside of the few she beat) and her competitive spirit, she won’t just concede the match with Chip over this. That said, she will have to deal with the pressure of playing against him on the course, which will be just as challenging as facing off against Yashima and Ogura. Will of course be looking forward to discovering how this goes.