Rookie Rie Higo Claims First Professional Victory on Japan's Women's Development Tour

In the Royal Meadow Cup women's development event in Tochigi, 23‑year‑old rookie Rie Higo secured her first professional win. Playing a 6,285‑yard, par‑72 course, she posted a bogey‑free 63 with nine birdies, finishing at 17 under par to overturn a three‑shot deficit and claim the title.

On the men's side, the Sumichi Golf Challenge on the lower‑tier ACN Tour saw Shoutarou Wada fire a 61 (11 birdies, 1 bogey) to move into solo first place at 18 under par. His round put him in position to capture a second tour victory as the tournament entered its final day.

Both events highlighted the competitive depth of Japan's secondary golf circuits, where emerging players seek to regain or improve their status within the professional ranks.