From talented players to promising rookies… “Candidates for Heroines of 2025” on the Women’s PGA Tour!

A New Era is Arriving!

A new era is arriving in the world of women’s golf. The top three players in last year’s Mercedes ranking have all challenged for the U.S. Tour, and there is no absolute queen this season. In this age of rivalry between the best of the best, a breakthrough is expected from Sakura Ogoshi (26), who finished 4th in last year’s ranking. Sportswriter Myung-Woo Kim explains the strengths of this year’s top contender for the title of “queen of the money.

She is an “iron man” who has the stamina to play in all the tournaments every year. His average driving distance is 250 yards and his irons are highly accurate. He is a player who has very few factors that could cause him to fall apart.

In the second round of the “V Point x SMBC Ladies,” her first top 10 finish of the season, it was impressive to see her carefully checking her irons at the practice range using a ballistic measuring device. When we asked her how she felt about winning the title, she was aloof.

I don’t think about it that way at all. I was able to adjust as usual during the off-season. I want to do my best in every game and always play with the mindset of being a challenger.

In addition to training, he also refreshed himself by watching the Dodgers-Giants game live. Kim said, “I have come close to winning the title every year, but have fallen just one step short. I’m sure he is frustrated, though he doesn’t show it on his face. This season, I think she is the closest to the annual title.

Next, I approached Yuka Yasuda (24) after she finished her putting practice. The “great talent of the millennium,” who looked serious on the green, has practiced hard in the off-season and dramatically improved her average distance with the driver from 233 yards to 243 yards. Yasuda himself seems to be feeling a sense of satisfaction, and his face shows a sense of fulfillment.

The pre-season training was really hard (laughs). Thanks to that, I felt like I flew better than ever in the season opener. I feel like I am swinging well. I would like to win the championship early this season and spend the rest of the season calmly.

On the other hand, Nana Suganuma (25), who made a breakthrough in 2011 with two wins, is looking for a comeback. Last year, she was sluggish due to an injury, but she has recovered completely. When interviewed, she showed her composure, even doing her famous “heart pose.

Last year, I really didn’t have a good enough performance,” said Suganuma. This year, however, I’m at about 70 points. I lost some weight due to an injury, but I regained 4 kg through off-season training, and I am back to my best. I am also getting my sense of shot back. I have prepared so well that I have no regrets even if I don’t get any results.

There are many young players to watch out for as well: second-year player Suga Fuka (19) has finished in the top 10 in three consecutive rounds since the season opener, and her classmate Suga finished in the top 10 last year. As Suga’s classmate Yumeno Masada (24), who finished in the top 10 five times last year, told our interviewer, “I have been working on improving my swing speed by increasing my swing to increase my distance, and it has increased to the mid-230 yard range. Kim said, “Masada’s putting is especially good. If he can improve his iron accuracy, which is an issue, he could win his first tournament.

Including the five introduced here, we have selected 12 candidates for new heroines who will make the tournament more interesting. We are sure you will enjoy the Tour even more if you pay attention to their brilliant performances.

Yuka Yasuda (24)
A cool and talented person who has finally awakened

Power 4
Putting 5
Approach 5
Control4
Recovery4
Last year, in his 5th year, he finally won for the first time. He says, “I am not good at early spring,” but all his shots were consistent. A big talent has finally awakened. Height: 163cm

Nana Suganuma (25)
A golf idol who is aiming for a full recovery.

Power 4
Putting 4
Approach 3
Control3
Recovery5
After recovering from his injury, his natural brightness has returned. This year I was able to train as usual. I want to win at least one tournament,” he said with determination. Height: 158 cm

Fuka Suga (19)
A supernova who has finished in the top 10 in three consecutive races since the opening round.

Power 4
Putting 4
Approach 5
Control3
Recovery4
After finishing 2nd in the opening round, he was in contention for the championship in the third round. With his aggressive irons, he ranks 2nd among all players in par save percentage. His first win is well within reach. Height: 168 cm

Yui Kawamoto (26)
A talented player with a strong iron game

Power 4
Putting 5
Approach 4
Control3
Recovery5
He continued his good form with 3rd place finishes in both the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Although her driver is not in top form, her irons are brilliant and she plays with great consistency. Height: 163 cm

Reika Usui (26)
A “young lady” who is aiming for her second win with her brilliant play.

Power 4
Putting 5
Approach 3
Control3
Recovery3
Last year, she won her first championship, which she had longed for. She is a “lady-like” character, having aspired to be in the Takarazuka Revue, but her play is clever. Stable putts are her weapon. Height: 158 cm

Amiyu OZEKI (21)
An all-rounder with outstanding stability

Power 4
Putting 4
Approach 4
Control4
Recovery4
With a look similar to actress Fuka Koshiba, she is popular for her hole-less golf. She finished in the top 10 8 times last year. She has enough ability and is aiming for her second win since 2010. Height: 158 cm

There are more players to watch! Golden Eggs” who are inevitably active

Yumeno Masada (24)
A new icon in the golf world who is on her way to her first championship!

Power 3
Putting 5
Approach 3
Control4
Recovery3
The long line of fans after the match is a familiar sight. She has a calm demeanor, but there is also an unexpected side to her, such as “I like dramas and am addicted to ‘Jijishitachi’ (The Groundhogs). Height: 154 cm

Minami Kiyomoto (19)
A former golden rookie who is now in her second year of competition.

Power 3
Putting3
Approach3
Control4
Recovery2
Passed the top professional test in ’23 as a current high school girl, struggled in her first year, but says, “I think I have the ability to stand firm now. Height: 153 cm

Rin Yoshida (21)

Power 3
Putting 4
Approach4
Control5
Recovery3
In the opening round, she was in second place alone at times. Her sister is popular pro Yuri Yoshida. When asked about their relationship, she smiles and says, “She gives me advice on how to take care of my body. Height: 153 cm

Kanako Aoki (24)

Power 5
Putting 2
Approach 3
Control3
Recovery4
A rookie who joined the pro ranks on his sixth attempt, he says, “First of all, I want to have fun! I want to have fun first! Height: 166 cm

Nano Muguruma (22)

Power 2
Putting 4
Approach 3
Control3
Recovery3
A calm, “natural” rookie. Nevertheless, when the subject of golf comes up, she is enthusiastic, saying, “I want people to see my aggressive approach that puts me right on the edge of the pin. Height: 154 cm

From the April 18, 2025 issue of FRIDAY