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 gained this yr’s U.S. Girls’s Open for a second time, headlines the sector this week. She is at present the Sixteenth-ranked participant on the earth, though she solely has one top-10 end since her triumph in Central Pennsylvania. But, Saso is trending in the proper course after her T-18 in Malaysia final week. She additionally feels proper at dwelling on the Seta Golf Course, situated simply outdoors the gorgeous metropolis of Kyoto.
“It’s at all times been a favourite cease, I feel, for all of us,” Saso mentioned Wednesday.
“Have good meals, and I feel not-so-good climate this week, however, yeah, I feel 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 gained her first main title on the Amundi Evian Championship in France in July and has not missed a lower since then. Furue additionally has 10 top-10 finishes this season—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 recreation has been very constant, so I’m simply attempting to maintain what I’m doing, and I’m hoping I can get outcome,” Furue mentioned.
“This space is the place I’m from, so I’m trying ahead to taking part in. Additionally, this is likely one of the solely tournaments right here on LPGA, so I’m blissful 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 employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By way of. You should definitely take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You possibly can observe him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.
