Golf 5 Ladies tournament begins in Gifu with Araki and Sugano competing

Preparations are underway for the Golf 5 Ladies Professional Golf Tournament at the Golf 5 Country Mizunami Course in Gifu. Defending champion Yuna Araki enters the tournament seeking her second victory of the season. Despite a high number of top-10 finishes this year, including four second-place finishes, Araki has been unable to secure a win. She noted that while her putting statistics have improved, she has struggled to convert birdie opportunities. Currently ranked 4th in the Mercedes Ranking, she aims to improve her standing from last season.

In the preceding pro-am team competition, Fuka Sugano demonstrated strong form by finishing at 18-under par. Playing in a scramble format, Sugano expressed confidence heading into the main tournament, stating the performance showed her potential. Sugano, who currently leads the tour in average stroke ranking, is aiming for her second win of the season and her third career victory.