The battle of the best in Asia takes centre stage as the Japan LPGA Championship Konica Minolta Cup (JLPGA Championship) makes its grand return to the Japan LPGA Tour (JLPGA Tour) schedule this Thursday- promising to showcase the pinnacle of women’s golf from the region.
The ¥200,000,000 event, entering its 56th edition, will unfold at the picturesque Passage Kinkai Island Golf Club, a 7,107-yard renowned links course set against Omura Bay in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Inaugurated in 1968, the JLPGA Championship, alongside the Japan Women’s Open, celebrates the rich legacy of women’s golf in Japan.
Since 2017, the JLPGA has welcomed aspiring golfers from across Asia, offering them a pathway to the Tour’s premier championship. This tournament is more than just a local competition—it represents an arena where Asia’s elite vie for supremacy, epitomising the ‘Battle of the Best in Asia.’
Given its stature, it’s only fitting that the JLPGA Championship receives widespread attention. 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).
South Korea’s Lee Ji-hee and Shin Jiyai, victors in 2017 and 2018 respectively, head a formidable non-Japanese lineup, which also boasts players from China and Chinese Taipei. They are both gunning for their second title in the tournament.
Veterans of the JLPGA Tour, both Lee and Shin are among the top foreign competitors in the Tour’s history, with 28 and 23 wins, respectively. Due to their achievements, Shin (¥1,301,882,744) and Lee (¥1,247,704,528) are currently ranked second and fourth on the JLPGA career money rankings.
World No. 19 Shin is in the spotlight as she strives to solidify her top position in the Mercedes Ranking, the JLPGA Tour’s season-long points race. With two victories and six top-five finishes to her credit, Shin leads with 2,258.17 points.
Following closely is the in-form Miyuu Yamashita with 2,052.19 points and four titles.
Shin lauded the JLPGA’s system that incorporates both Tour competitions and the LPGA Tour’s major results. Her rise to the top of the standings is notable, especially considering her two-month hiatus since June, which was balanced by her outstanding performance in the majors abroad.
She delivered exceptional performances in the US Open and the Women’s Open, finishing tied for second and solo third, respectively.
“Actually, I wasn’t aware of the points system. When many around me highlighted my number one ranking, it genuinely surprised me,” Shin mentioned in a recent interview.
“Currently, the Korean tour is undergoing significant growth. With such expansion, the quest for prestigious titles is gaining momentum. This makes top-ranked players apprehensive about participating in the majors as their performance there doesn’t reflect in the domestic tour standings.
“While some might see merit in focusing on the Korean tour, my experience in Japan has been enriched by the extensive support from JLPGA, particularly regarding points and tournament participation. The Japanese approach is commendable, and I deeply appreciate it. The Korean media’s spotlight on this dynamic is a testament to its significance. I hope it motivates my younger peers in Korea,” she detailed.
Shin has praised the JLPGA’s efforts to showcase the strength of its tour by streaming the JLPGA Championship to fans outside Japan, recognising that it will be warmly received by Korean supporters.
“I’ve heard that many Korean players and supporters are keen to watch more JLPGA tournaments. This week offers a brilliant opportunity. However, I also need to perform at my best to add to the excitement of the tournament,” she remarked. Her compatriot Lee echoed Shin’s sentiments regarding the tournament being streamed live internationally.
“With the streaming now available in Korea, my family and supporters can watch me play live on telly. This spurs me on even more to give it my all!” exclaimed Lee.
Other Asian talents to watch include Chinese Taipei’s Tsai Pei-ying, Yuting Seki of China, and South Korea’s Lee Min-young, all aiming to notch a victory to complement their previous year’s triumphs. A tantalising ¥36,000,000 top prize and 350 Rolex Women’s World Golf Ranking points await the champion.
Defending champion Haruka Kawasaki and reigning JLPGA No. 1 Yamashita spearhead a formidable local lineup, poised to counter the international competition.
“Last year, I experienced an unbelievable victory, and it’s already been a year. Time truly flies,” said Kawasaki, whose feat at Joyo Country Club made her the youngest winner of a Japanese major.
“Even though it’s a different course, I’ll try not to put pressure on myself and approach this week with a fresh perspective.
“After my win last year, I had the opportunity to participate in every tournament, and my surroundings have changed significantly. I put too much pressure on myself back then. Now, I strive to remain relaxed.”
All eyes will also be on Kokona Sakurai, fresh off her win at the Golf 5 Ladies last week—her third title this season. Meanwhile, 18-time JLPGA Tour winner Ai Suzuki is targeting her third victory in this championship after her triumphs in 2014 and 2016.
The competition begins with a full 132-woman field, narrowing down to the top 60 (and ties) after 36 holes.
This marks the second occasion for the Passage Kinkai Island Golf Club to host the JLPGA Championship, following the 2015 event won by Teresa Lu of Chinese Taipei. The course was also the venue for the 2010 Japan PGA Championship on the JGTO.
