Normally, a 2nd place finish by Sakura Yokomine in an LPGA of Japan event is not a cause for me to celebrate. After all, Sakura is my favorite JLPGA player. To have her come so close, yet be so far from victory can be vexing. However, on this day, with Yokomine coming up tied for … Continue reading
Tagged with Ritsuko Ryu …
Onnarin Sattayabanphot Wins 2013 Hoken no Madoguchi Ladies
We have seen the Korean and Japanese influx of golfers inject a fresh dose of diversity and talent to women’s golf worldwide. But while LPGA winner Stacy Prammanasudh is half-Thai, there has been a lack of winners actually representing Thailand on the four major tours. Until now. Earlier this year, young Thai phenom Ariya Jutanugarn … Continue reading
Rikako Morita Wins 2013 Daikin Orchid Ladies Golf Tournament; Defeats Sakura Yokomine In Playoff
The 2013 JLPGA season is off to a great start. Rikako Morita drained a 12 foot birdie putt on the first hole of a playoff to defeat Sakura Yokomine and win the 2013 Daikin Orchid Ladies Golf Tournament. The win is the 3rd victory for Rikako on the JLPGA. I have to be honest in … Continue reading
Megumi Kido Wins 2012 Samantha Thavasa Girls Collection Ladies Tournament For First JLPGA Victory
It’s not an easy thing to close out a first victory, no matter what kind of lead one has. With a 4 shot cushion overnight, Megumi Kido didn’t need to be spectacular to finish with the title, but with players like Mi-Jeong Jeon, Jiyai Shin and Yuri Fudoh on her tail, Kido also couldn’t fall … Continue reading
Megumi Kido Leads 2012 Samantha Thavasa Girls Collection Ladies Tournament After 2nd Round
Megumi Kido fired her second straight 6-under 66 to take a 4 shot lead over Mi-Jeong Jeon after the 2nd round of the 2012 Samantha Thavasa Girls Collection Ladies. Megumi’s 12-under overall is highlighted by 13 birdies against only 1 bogey, which she didn’t record until the final hole of the 2nd round. Can anybody … Continue reading
Mayu Hattori Wins 2012 Earth Mondamin Cup (JLPGA), Ends Japanese Winless Streak
The eagle has landed! The winless streak by Japanese golfers on the JLPGA came to thrilling end as Mayu Hattori went from 12-under to 15-under on the final two holes with a birdie on 17 and an eagle on 18. Mayu was having an decent, although up and down, round until those two scoring holes … Continue reading
Sakura Yokomine, Chie Arimura In Contention To End Japanese Winless Streak At 2012 Earth Mondamin Cup (JLPGA)
The LPGA of Japan Tour is open to players from around the world. They have welcomed and celebrated golfers from Australia, South Korea, China, the United States of America and many other countries. However, like any other tour, the Japanese spectators like to see their countrywomen win. Unlike the LPGA tour in America, the JLPGA … Continue reading
Hyun-Ju Shin Win 2012 Nichirei Ladies (JLPGA); Edges Chie Arimura and Soo-Yun Kang To End Winless Drought
There are a handful of very successful Korean golfers on the LPGA of Japan Tour (JLPGA), including Mi-Jeong Jeon, Ji-Hee Lee and 2-time defending Player of the Year Sun-Ju Ahn. One of the forgotten Seoul Sister stars on the JLPGA might just be Hyun-Ju Shin. She finished 5th on the JLPGA money list back in … Continue reading
Soo-Yun Kang Leads 2012 Nichirei Ladies (JLPGA) After 2nd Round
I miss Kangsy. When 2005 Safeway Classic winner Soo-Yun Kang of South Korea was a player on the LPGA tour in the United States, she was one of my favorites. At 36, Kangsy, one of the many talented Seoul Sisters, remains an active professional in Japan on the JLPGA. After the 2nd round of the … Continue reading
Shanshan Feng Wins 2012 Yonex Ladies Golf Tournament (JLPGA)
Part of me is thrilled to see Shanshan Feng play well regardless of where she has her success. However, part of me also worries that if she continues to excel on the JLPGA, where tournaments and money are good, her commitment to the LPGA might wane. Two weeks ago, a second place finish at the … Continue reading