The TOTO Japan Classic returns this week to the scenic Seta Golf Course in Shiga, Japan, where a talented 78-player field made up of 43 LPGA Tour members and 35 JLPGA Tour members will compete. Players will be eyeing a share of the $2 million purse and crucial Race to the CME Globe points, with the latter available only to LPGA Tour members and non-members who accept membership if they win. Notable names gracing the field include past champions Gemma Dryburgh, Ai Suzuki, Mi Hyang Lee, and Jiyai Shin, along with local stars Ayaka Furue and Yuka Saso, recent FM Championship victor Haeran Ryu, and Japanese Olympian Miyu Yamashita.
Here’s a closer look at some of the highlighted groups set to tee off this Thursday.
Thursday, 9:28 a.m. – Gemma Dryburgh, Moriya Jutanugarn, Miyuu Abe
Gemma Dryburgh, who secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the 2022 TOTO Japan Classic, returns to Seta Golf Course hoping to recapture her past success. In addition to her triumph two years ago, Dryburgh earned a respectable T6 finish at last year’s tournament, showcasing her comfort with the course. According to KPMG Performance Insights, Dryburgh has played five rounds of 67 or lower here, amassing an impressive 39-under par with a strong birdie or better rate of 31.3%. This will be her 25th event of the 2024 LPGA Tour season, and she’s looking for another top finish following six top-25 placements this year, including a tie for ninth at the season opener.
Joining Dryburgh is Moriya Jutanugarn, who celebrated her third career LPGA Tour win earlier this season at the Portland Classic. Known for her steady play, Moriya has recorded five additional top-25 finishes this year and ranks 25th in strokes gained putting (+0.49) according to KPMG data. Though her history at the TOTO Japan Classic has yet to yield a win, she will be looking to better her 2017 fifth-place finish this week.
Completing the group is Miyuu Abe from the JLPGA Tour, making her second LPGA appearance after debuting at last year’s TOTO Japan Classic with a T56 finish. Abe recently notched a win on the JLPGA Tour at the Fujifilm Studio Alice Ladies Open, making her a competitor to watch in this prestigious event.
Thursday, 9:50 a.m. – Brooke Henderson, Haeran Ryu, Miyu Yamashita
Brooke Henderson, the 13-time LPGA winner, is making only her third appearance at the TOTO Japan Classic. Henderson, ranked 22nd in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, has been consistent this season, with eight top-10 finishes, including a notable third-place tie at The Chevron Championship. She is strong across all strokes gained categories, particularly in driving (+0.54) and total strokes (+1.19). Her goal this week will be to improve upon her previous T41 best in this event.
Haeran Ryu, a 23-year-old rising star from South Korea, has been in peak form this season, boasting seven top-10 finishes, including a major top-five at The Amundi Evian Championship. Currently sixth in the Rolex Rankings, Ryu is ranked first in strokes gained tee to green (+1.88) and leads the LPGA in rounds in the 60s and birdies made. She’s expected to be a formidable contender in her TOTO Japan Classic debut.
The group is rounded out by Miyu Yamashita, a 12-time JLPGA Tour winner and recent victor at the Fujitsu Ladies. Known for her precise play, Yamashita has achieved three top-20 finishes in majors this year, including a second-place tie at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Representing Japan at the Olympics this year, she is sure to draw strong local support.
Thursday, 10:01 a.m. – Jin Young Ko, Ayaka Furue, Rio Takeda
Jin Young Ko, making her first TOTO Japan Classic appearance since 2018, arrives with six top-10 finishes this season, including runner-up results at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and FM Championship. She currently leads the LPGA in approach proximity from 100 to 125 yards and ranks third in strokes gained approach (+1.21). Ko’s precision play and experience make her a serious threat to claim victory this week.
Ayaka Furue, the hometown favorite and recent Amundi Evian Championship winner, is another player to watch in this trio. With nine top-10 finishes this year, Furue ranks inside the top 20 in multiple strokes gained categories, including third in strokes gained total (+1.93). Her consistency and home crowd advantage make her a favorite to excel at Seta Golf Course.
Completing this group is Japan’s own Rio Takeda, a promising JLPGA player who finished T8 at last year’s TOTO Japan Classic and achieved a top-10 finish at this season’s U.S. Women’s Open. Takeda’s performance in majors highlights her ability to compete on golf’s biggest stages, and she’ll be aiming for another strong showing in her home country.
The 2024 TOTO Japan Classic promises to deliver exciting golf with top international and Japanese talent competing for victory. With returning champions and fresh contenders in these featured groups, fans can look forward to a thrilling tournament set against the stunning backdrop of Shiga, Japan.
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