Must-See Smile Shots of the Skilled Heroine Contenders in the Women’s Golf Tour Second Half

Plenty to see and do! There are still a few "rising stars" aiming for their first win...

2024-10-03

The second half of the season is also full of highlights.

Less than three months remain in the Japanese women’s professional golf tour this season. Rio Takeda (21), with 6 wins, is one step ahead in the battle for the queen of the year. However, there are still other candidates for heroine of the year. Sportswriter Myung-Woo Kim explains.

Sakura Koho (26)
With a total prize money of over 700 million yen, she is the leading “iron man” in the world of golf.

In June, she became the third youngest player in history to win 700 million yen in lifetime prize money. With a record of 228 consecutive appearances in Japan and the U.S., will the “Ironman” win her long-cherished title?

Driver 5
Putting 5
Approaching 5
Control 4
Recovery 4

Rio Takeda (21)
A major championship winner and in sole possession of the lead, Reo Takeda is in good shape for her first title!

In his third year, he has become accustomed to the professional game and is now in a state of unparalleled performance.

Driver 5
Putting 5
Approaching 5
Control 5
Recovery 4

What kind of drama will unfold in the second half of the tournament?

Sakura Ogoshi (26), who is in third place in the Mercedes ranking with two wins, has been very consistent. Her swing has been polished and she is in great shape, with the third best par on rate and the longest average distance with her driver at over 252 yards, which is the longest ever.

Also of note is rookie Yumeno Masada (24), a hard worker who passed the professional test on her fifth try. With her highly accurate irons, she has finished in the top 10 three times in her last five tournaments. The long line of people waiting for autographs after matches is already a famous sight. He is as popular as any top pro.

There are many other strong players, such as Haruka Kawazaki (21), who has had a breakthrough season with three wins, and Reika Usui (25), a member of the golden generation, who won her first championship in a long time. At the same time, signs of recovery are beginning to emerge among the talented players who have been struggling. Kim continues.

Erika Hara (25), who has often said at press conferences that she is not in good shape because her driving has been inconsistent, has not failed to qualify since July and has finished in the top 10 four times, so her condition is improving. Nana Suganuma (24), who was late to the tournament due to knee pain, saying that she was unable to practice enough in the off-season, is also showing signs of recovery, and the second half of the season is promising.

What kind of drama will be created in the remaining games?

No time to wait for the championship! Notable athletes who continue to make great strides

Yumeno Masada (24)
Aiming to become a professional player in her rookie year with “fifth time’s the charm!

In her first year, Yumeno Masada’s outstanding shot accuracy has put her in the top half of the leaderboard, and she shed tears at the NEC Karuizawa 72 in August, where she finished 2nd. He vows to use his frustration as a springboard to victory.

Driver 3
Putting 4
Approaching 4
Control 5
Recovery 4

Haruka Kawasaki (21)
Will she keep the momentum going and win her second major?

Haruka Kawasaki has had a breakthrough year with three wins, including back-to-back wins in July. On the other hand, she failed to qualify for 10 out of 25 rounds. Continuity is an issue.

Driver 4
Putting 4
Approach 5
Control 4
Recovery 4

Erika Hara (25)
The “flying player” who is getting back on track is aiming for her first win of the season!

She has been trying to improve her game by changing her shafts. She has been experimenting with new shafts and other things, and now she just needs to get back to her signature distance.

Driver 4
Putting 4
Approaching 5
Control 4
Recovery 3

There are more! Talented artists who will be the “eye of the typhoon” in the second half of the season

Yuka Yasuda (23)
The day when we can see her cute smile on the podium is near!

With her brilliant approach, she has finished in the top 10 6 times. I am looking forward to seeing her smile on the podium after her first win!

Driver 3
Putting 4
Approaching 5
Control 4
Recovery 5

Ayamiyu OZEKI (21)
Aiming for a comeback with her consistent putting.

She has a charming smile similar to actress Fuka Koshiba. Her stats are not bad, so a second win for the first time since 2010 should not be far off.

Driver 4
Putting 5
Approaching 3
Control 5
Recovery 5

Reika Usui (25) The “Lady” is aiming for her second win with the momentum from her first win!
Nana Suganuma (24) Vows to make a full comeback with her trademark heart pose!

Usui (right) became the 14th member of the golden generation to win in her first match of the season. Suganuma (left), known as a hard-working player while being a lady-like character, has been generally lackluster this season. However, she is positive, posting on SNS that she has not neglected her practice. Is she close to a comeback?

Nana Suganuma
Driver 3
Putting 3
Approaching 3
Control 3
Recovery 5

Reika Usui
Driver 4
Putting 5
Approach 3
Control 3
Recovery 4

Gao Tsuruoka (25)

She has an outstanding driver distance and the 5th best par on-putt rate among all players. She has a good chance to win for the first time.

Driver 5
Putting 3
Approach 5
Control 3
Recovery 3

Kokona Sakurai (20)

She won 4 matches last season, but has no wins so far this season. Can she regain her iron accuracy for the second half of the season?

Driver 5
Putting 3
Approaching 3
Control 3
Recovery 4

Hana Wakimoto (26)

She has been in contention for the top ranking for the first time all year. Will she be able to achieve her dream of winning a top tour title?

Driver 3
Putting 4
Approaching 4
Control 3
Recovery 4

Yui Kawamoto (26)

She is on the upswing this season with her second win. She is also ranked 8th in the Mercedes ranking.

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Putting 5
Approaching 3
Control 3
Recovery 5

The rookies are also full of promising players!

Minami Kiyomoto (19)

She passed the professional test in 2011 at the top of the class, and her ability is real. She has played 8 rounds on the top tour this season.

Driver 3
Putting 3
Approaching 3
Control 4
Recovery 3

Kanako Ishida (30)

Old rookie who was already in contention for the win in her first round on the Top Tour and finished in 14th place

Driver 3
Putting 3
Approach 3
Control 3
Recovery 4

From the September 27 and October 4, 2024 combined issue of FRIDAY

PHOTO： Getty Images Afro