Japanese women's golf sees rising global presence and player resurgence

Japanese women's golf is experiencing a significant rise on the international stage, with a record 15 players competing on the U.S. tour this season. Despite recent major championship successes, no Japanese player has held the world number one ranking since Ai Miyazato in June 2010.

Miyazato, reflecting on her tenure, noted the immense pressure of being the face of the tour. Analysts suggest that given the current speed and performance of Japanese major champions, a new world number one is a matter of time.

In domestic news, Hinako Shibuno is seeking a resurgence at the Sumitomo Life Ladies Tokai Classic. After struggling with four consecutive missed cuts on the U.S. tour, Shibuno expressed a strong desire to regain her form at the Aichi-based course, where she previously secured a major comeback victory in 2019.