When it’s your day, it’s truly your day. On the first day of the Japan Classic, it was FKo’s day, as she delivered her best round of the season at the scenic Seta Golf Course. Coming off a season filled with both challenges and resilience, the former world No. 1 put everything together, saying afterward, “Today was special; everything just clicked.”
“Honestly, I can’t single out one thing,” she reflected after her bogey-free 64. “From the tee to the green, I felt in control, and I was sinking my putts all round.” Her score placed her just one shot off the lead behind Japan’s own Ayaka Watanabe. In a round where everything seemed to flow seamlessly, FKo showed once again why she is a tour favorite.
It was a putting masterclass from FKo on Thursday, needing only 25 putts to navigate her way through a pristine round. Her front nine set the tone, but it was on the back nine that FKo truly shined, making five birdies in her last seven holes. “The back nine, I don’t know, something just sparked,” she shared with a smile. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt this comfortable with my game, and I’m grateful.”
For FKo, this round of 64 represents her lowest score on the LPGA Tour in almost a year, a significant milestone in a season that has seen its fair share of struggles and setbacks. Known for her tenacity and precision, she has navigated multiple injuries, from her wrist to her shoulder, that limited her performance and led to a scaled-back schedule this season. Taking a five-week break after a second-place finish in Boston earlier this fall, she returned to competition last week at the Malaysia Open but found herself still working to regain form. Her performance in Japan, however, showed a glimpse of the FKo the golfing world remembers so well.
“It felt strange to be back under competitive pressure last week, but this is the LPGA Tour, and it’s where I belong,” she said of her return. “Last week didn’t go as planned, but starting this week with a round like this—it feels good.”
The Japan Classic holds a special place for FKo. The last time she competed here was in 2018, where she finished with a final-round 65 to place fifth. While the memories of the course itself may have faded over the years, she does fondly recall her time spent off the course. “Honestly, I don’t remember much about the course from that year,” she laughed. “But I do remember sharing sukiyaki and curry with my parents—those are the memories that stick.”
Looking ahead, FKo’s strong start sets the stage for a potential victory, which would mark a continuation of her streak of winning each year on the LPGA Tour since 2017. She has three tournaments remaining in this season, including the LOTTE Championship next week, The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, and the CME Group Tour Championship, the LPGA’s season finale. Aware of what’s at stake, FKo remains motivated to finish the year strong while setting her sights on the future.
“There are only three tournaments left, and I want to end on a high note,” she stated, her focus clear. “Already, I’m looking ahead to 2025 and thinking of what’s possible. For now, though, I’m enjoying this moment here in Japan and excited for what’s to come.”
With her flawless opening round, FKo has reasserted herself as a contender and reminded fans why she’s one of the most talented players in women’s golf. And as she continues to rebuild momentum, her journey this week in Japan could be the spark that ignites a powerful close to her season.
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