Japanese Women's Golf Becomes the Center of the World

by Roh Woolae

Pubilshed 05 Aug.2025 01:00(KST)

Rookie Yamashita Claims AIG Women's Open Title
Japanese Players Combine for Four Wins This Year, Including Two Majors
AP Reports "Era of Japanese Dominance"

Now, they are at the center. This statement refers to Japanese women's golf. Japanese players are shining on the US-based LPGA Tour, which features the world's top golfers. AP reported, "Japanese players have won four of the last nine major tournaments on the LPGA Tour," and described this as "an era of Japanese dominance."

Miyu Yamashita is smiling brightly right after winning the major tournament AIG Women's Open. Photo by AP, Poscoll (Wales)

Rookie Yamashita Miyu claimed victory in a major tournament. On August 3 (local time), she won the AIG Women's Open, the final major of the year, held at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club (par 72, 6,556 yards) in Mid Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom, with a total prize fund of $9.75 million. In addition to Yamashita, Katsu Minami finished tied for second, Takeda Rio tied for fourth, and Saigo Mao tied for eleventh, all delivering strong performances.

Until last year, Yamashita was a top-tier player on the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour. She debuted in 2020 and 2021, during the integrated season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and achieved 13 wins over three seasons through 2024. Standing at 150 cm, her driving distance just exceeded 230 yards over those three seasons, never ranking within the top 40, but her strengths are accurate shots and precise putting. Yamashita debuted on the LPGA Tour this year. She secured her first victory in her 16th tournament of the season. The winner's prize is $1,462,500 (approximately 2 billion KRW).

Since last year, Japan has been strong in big matches. Last year, Saso Yuka won the US Women's Open, and Furue Ayaka won the Amundi Evian Championship. This year, Japanese players have continued their upward trend with four victories, including two major titles. In this season's Chevron Championship, Saigo took the top spot. Yamashita said, "Many Japanese players are achieving great results, and that is a huge motivation for me. I look forward to seeing us continue to support each other and move forward together."

Japanese Women's Golf Becomes the Center of the World

Rookie Yamashita Claims AIG Women's Open Title Japanese Players Combine for Four Wins This Year, Including Two Majors AP Reports "Era of Japanese Dominance"

Rookie Yamashita Claims AIG Women's Open Title
Japanese Players Combine for Four Wins This Year, Including Two Majors
AP Reports "Era of Japanese Dominance"