The LPGA continues its Asian Swing this week with the TOTO Japan Traditional, the final occasion earlier than the tour returns to america.
Yuka Saso, the 23-year-old who conquered Lancaster Nation Membership and received this yr’s U.S. Ladies’s Open for a second time, headlines the sphere this week. She is at present the Sixteenth-ranked participant on the planet, though she solely has one top-10 end since her triumph in Central Pennsylvania. But, Saso is trending in the best route after her T-18 in Malaysia final week. She additionally feels proper at dwelling on the Seta Golf Course, situated simply exterior the gorgeous metropolis of Kyoto.
“It’s all the time been a favourite cease, I believe, for all of us,” Saso mentioned Wednesday.
“Have good meals, and I believe not-so-good climate this week, however, yeah, I believe it’s nice to be again. Grateful of the Japanese followers and benefit from the crowds.”
One other Japanese standout, Ayaka Furue, who has had a wonderful season, arrives in Japan as one of many different fan favorites. She received her first main title on the Amundi Evian Championship in France in July and has not missed a reduce since then. Furue additionally has 10 top-10 finishes this season—yet another than World No. 1 Nelly Korda has, and she or he has six wins. Solely Haeran Ryu of South Korea and Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul have extra top-10s than Furue this season.
“My sport has been very constant, so I’m simply making an attempt to maintain what I’m doing, and I’m hoping I can get an excellent consequence,” Furue mentioned.
“This space is the place I’m from, so I’m wanting ahead to taking part in. Additionally, this is among the solely tournaments right here on LPGA, so I’m pleased to be right here.”
Different notables within the discipline this week embrace Canadian Brooke Henderson, South Korean Jin Younger Ko, and Swede Linn Grant. First-round protection begins on Golf Channel at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday night in america.
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. You should definitely try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You may comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as effectively.
