Shiho Kuwaki and top Japanese golfers prepare for NEC Karuizawa 72

The NEC Karuizawa 72 Golf Tournament is set to begin on July 14 in Nagano, featuring several prominent Japanese female golfers. Shiho Kuwaki, who recently secured her first major title at the AIG Women's Open, makes her return to the domestic tour. Kuwaki, currently leading the annual points race, spent significant time practicing and testing new Bridgestone B-FORGED 100CB irons ahead of the event.

Other key participants include Yuzuki Yoshizawa, who is seeking her second consecutive victory following her win at the Hokkaido Meiji Cup, and Hinako Shibuno, who is returning to US-based competition to improve her world ranking and secure seeds for upcoming series.

Additionally, several professional players, including Sakura Koiwai and Yuka Yasuda, have been testing new Srixon ZXi5 and ZXi7 iron models during practice sessions. While many players expressed a cautious approach to switching equipment mid-season, the initial feedback on the new models has been positive.