Opening on February 29th! Women’s Golf, Heroine Candidates for This Season, Strong and Gallant
Their swings are too beautiful! The battle for the title of the prize money queen will be fought amongst talented players, rising stars, and overseas players!
“The contenders include the twin sisters Akie (21) and Chisato Iwai (21), who broke out last season, as well as the rising star Kokona Sakurai (20), who secured four victories. Among them, special attention should be paid to Erika Hara (25). Last year, she underwent surgery for a herniated disc that had plagued her for years, and this season, she approaches the game in perfect condition from the first match. Utilizing her tall stature of 173 cm, her driving shots are her forte, with an average distance exceeding 255 yards, ranking her among the top in women’s professional golf.” (Sports writer, Mr. Myung-Yeol Kim)
There are also many promising prospects among the South Korean players.
“Song Ga-eun (23), who is making her first appearance in Japan, is a next-generation star candidate who has won two victories on the Korean Tour’s top division. Her iron control is outstanding, and she also passed the qualifying tournament for this season’s participation in first place. Additionally, Ahn Shin-ae (33), who is known as the ‘Sexy Queen,’ is returning to the competition after five years. She should dazzle fans with her captivating golf.”
This season, experienced champions like Mone Inami (24), Yurika Yoshida (23), and Mao Saigo (22) will compete in the US tour. With fewer top players, attention should be focused on those aiming for their first victory.
“There are high expectations for Yuka Yasuda (23), who experienced two second-place finishes last year, to secure her first victory. Especially with a greens-in-regulation rate of 71%, she boasts a high number, showing ample potential. If she develops her competitiveness, results should follow suit.”
What kind of dramas will unfold this year?
Erika Hara (25)
Driver: 5
Putting: 3
Approach: 5
Control: 4
Recovery: 3
Last season, he had a good approach shot as well as driver and ranked 3rd in par on-putt rate among all players. In the off-season, she has been working on recovering her distance, and she is back to the point where she does not feel the effects of the surgery.
Chisato Iwai (21)
Akie Iwai (21)
Chisato Iwai
Driver: 5
Putting: 5
Approach: 4
Control: 3
Recovery: 4
Like her sister Akie, Chisato possesses an outstanding driver, which is her charm. Last year, they garnered attention with the first-ever playoff between twins. Expectations are high for another breakthrough season for the twins.
Akie Iwai
Driver: 5
Putting: 4
Approach: 5
Control: 3
Recovery: 4
With an average driving distance exceeding 257 yards and shining approach shots, I also recorded the highest greens-in-regulation rate. The question remains whether I can improve my fairway hit rate, which I identify as a challenge.
Sakura Koiwai(25)
Driver: 4
Putting: 4
Approach: 5
Control: 3
Recovery: 5
Her precise iron shots and consistent performance make her golf captivating. She has consistently ranked in the top 10 since her debut six seasons ago. Expectations are high for her to achieve her long-awaited dream of becoming the season’s queen this year.
Kokona Sakurai (20)
Driver: 5
Putting: 4
Approach: 4
Control: 3
Recovery: 4
Last year, despite her first attempt at the top division tour, she marked four victories. Kim remarked, ‘She shows such composure that you wouldn’t believe she’s only 20 years old,’ expressing surprise at her remarkable courage
Nana Suganuma (24)
Driver: 4
Putting: 5
Approach: 4
Control: 3
Recovery: 5
Despite the impact of her chronic illness limiting her participation, she managed to secure two victories last season. Additionally, she appeared in two television commercials for companies like Fujiya. Her charming looks have also garnered her popularity.
Amiyu Ozeki (20)
Approach: 3
Control: 4
Recovery: 4
While her putting was good last season, her driver was inconsistent and she failed to qualify 16 times. This season, she decided to change clubs. With a new weapon in her arsenal, she is aiming for her first win in two years.
Haruka Kawasaki (20)
Driver: 4
Putting: 4
Approach: 4
Control: 4
Recovery: 3
Last season was the first time for her to play on the first division tour, but her sharp swing was not as sharp as it had been due to fatigue. In the off-season, she made a concerted effort to improve her swing. Will she be able to get back on track?
Seki Yuting(25)
Driver: 3
Putting: 3
Approach: 4
Control: 4
Recovery: 5
Struggling last year due in part to overtraining, she reflected on this and adjusted during the offseason, incorporating rest into herregimen. Now, the question remains: Can she regain the accuracy of my weapon, the driver?
Song Ga-eun(23)
Driver: 3
Putting: 5
Approach: 4
Control: 5
Recovery: 4
A rising star from Korea making her debut in Japan. In addition to her high-precision shots, she has been selected as a promotional model, a mark of popularity among Korean professionals. She possesses both popularity and skill.
Ahn Shin-ae(33)
Driver: 3
Putting: 4
Approach: 3
Control: 3
Recovery: 3
The sexy queen who combines strength and beauty. Despite being effectively retired in recent years, she made a determined decision to return. She chose Japan as the stage for her comeback, stating, The fans were warm, indicating their support for her return.
Yuka Yasuda(23)
Driver: 3
Putting: 3
Approach: 4
Control: 4
Recovery: 5
While her approach shots shine, Kim pointed out that if her putting at crucial moments improves remains a challenge. With many fans, we eagerly anticipate the day when her smile lights up the podium.
Hana Wakimoto (26)
Driver: 3
Putting: 3
Approach: 4
Control: 4
Recovery: 4
In 2022, she clinched her first victory on the lower tour and also passed the qualifying tournament at the end of last year, finishing 7th. Her powerful shots, emanating from her tall, 8-foot-tall frame, are her forte. Will she achieve victory in the top division this season?
Minori Hashizoe (23)
Driver: 3
Putting: 5
Approach: 3
Control: 3
Recovery: 4
Coming from a golfing family with a senior professional father and three experienced sisters, she achieved victory on the lower tour last season, leveraging her iron precision as a weapon. With the support of her family, she aims for victory in the top division.
Karen Tsuruoka (24)
Driver: 5
Putting: 3
Approach: 4
Control: 3
Recovery: 4
Last year, despite experiencing the final pairing on the last day twice, victory slipped away. Armed with a driver averaging over 250 yards in distance, she aims to follow in the footsteps of her peers like Hara and Shibuno Hinako.
Naruha Miyata (26)
Driver: 5
Putting: 3
Approach: 4
Control: 3
Recovery: 4
Despite being on the lower tour, her iron play remained consistent, as evidenced by her ranking first in recovery rate and third in greens-in-regulation rate last year. With two top-10 finishes in the top division, achieving her long-awaited goal is now within reach.
From the March 1-8, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
PHOTO： Getty Images (Kohki, Suganuma, Ozeki, Kawasaki, Yasuda, Wakimoto, Hashizoe, Tsuruoka, Miyata) Afro (Hara, Yamashita, Iwai sisters, Sakurai, Sechi) KLPGA (Song) MHN Sports (An)
