JLPGA Tour rookie Sora Kamiya has demonstrated why she’s the next big name in Japanese women’s golf.
On Sunday, the 20-year-old surpassed overnight leader Sakura Koiwai to secure a milestone victory at the JLPGA Championship Konica Minolta Cup in only her second major start on the JLPGA.
Starting the final round two shots behind Koiwai, Kamiya tallied three birdies on the front nine and added further gains on the 10th and 15th holes, putting her in the lead.
She recorded her only bogey on the 16th, but confidently parred the last two holes, finishing with a four-under-par 68 at the Passage Kinkai Island Golf Club in Nagasaki Prefecture.
She concluded the tournament with a winning total of 12-under-par 276.
This marks Kamiya’s second title of the season, following her victory at the Fujisankei Ladies Classic in April.
Kamiya expressed her joy in achieving her dream of becoming a JLPGA Major champion, emulating Haruka Kawasaki, who set a record as the youngest winner of this tournament the previous year.
“It still feels surreal. Last year, I watched Haruka win, and since then, I’ve been aiming for this title. I’m amazed that I achieved it just a year later,” said Kamiya.
“This is my first year in my professional career. Winning this title was one of my goals, and I’m thrilled to achieve it so soon.
“Despite the greens becoming firmer and faster each day, I managed to stay true to my playing style. I genuinely enjoyed the game.
“Throughout this week, I received tremendous support and cheers from spectators. Their encouragement played a big part in my win.”
Reigning JLPGA Tour No. 1 Miyuu Yamashita (70) and Mao Saigo (73) tied for third with a score of 280.
South Korea’s Bae Seonwoo shot a 71, finishing as the top non-Japanese competitor, tying for 11th and eight shots behind Kamiya. Shin Jiyai finished a further stroke back after closing with a 72 for 285.
“Today, my shots were on point. As the greens sped up, adjusting became challenging, but I’m still pleased with my score,” said Bae.
“Throughout the week, the cheers from the spectators energised me. I’m also thrilled that many people tuned in to SPOTV in Korea to watch.”
For the first time ever, it will be broadcast across six countries: South Korea (SPOTV), Malaysia (Astro), Indonesia (TVRI), China (Golf Channel China), Thailand (Workpoint), and Taiwan (MOMO TV).
The JLPGA Championship, which is hosted in different cities on a rotation basis, returned to Nagasaki Prefecture for the first time since 2015.
Nagasaki Prefecture is a premier tourist destination known for its World Heritage Sites, rich multicultural history, and the largest number of islands in Japan, including sites of hidden Christian villages.
Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki offers vibrant flower festivals, including Japan’s largest tulip display and Asia’s most extensive collection of roses.
Leading final round scores:
276: Sora Kamiya 72-66-70-68;
277: Sakura Koiwai 68-67-71-71;
280: Miyuu Yamashita 68-70-72-70, Mao Saigo 67-69-71-73;
282: Akie Iwai 68-74-72-68, Shoko Sasaki 72-72-68-71;
283: Miyu Sato 71-74-73-65, Hinako Yamauchi 67-72-76-68, Mone Inami 67-71-71-74;
284: Hina Arakaki 75-66-73-70, Bae Seonwoo (Kor) 68-72-73-71;
285: Chisato Iwai 69-71-75-70, Shin Jiyai 73-66-74-72.
