In a stunning turn of events, the LPGA’s highly anticipated Japan tournament has been thrown into chaos by the arrival of Typhoon Kong-rey. The ferocious storm, which has already wreaked havoc in the Philippines and Taiwan, has forced organizers to make the difficult decision to reduce the event to just 54 holes.
Torrential Rain and High Winds Batter Course
As the typhoon approached Japan’s shores, the Seta Golf Course found itself directly in its path. Heavy rain and gale-force winds battered the pristine fairways and greens, rendering the course unplayable for Saturday’s scheduled third round.
According to a source close to the tournament, officials had no choice but to cancel play for the day, citing concerns for player and spectator safety. With the storm expected to persist into Sunday, the decision was made to shorten the event and attempt to complete the final round before conditions deteriorate further.
Wakimoto Clings to Lead as Field Chases
Despite the looming threat of Kong-rey, Japan’s own Hana Wakimoto managed to maintain her lead after the second round. The 22-year-old rising star carded an impressive 4-under 68 on Friday, building upon her opening-round 63 to sit at 13-under par overall.
I’m just trying to stay focused on my game and not let the weather distract me. It’s unfortunate that we won’t be able to play the full four rounds, but I’m determined to make the most of the opportunity we have tomorrow.
Hana Wakimoto
Hot on Wakimoto’s heels are American Yealimi Noh and Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn, both sitting just two strokes back at 11-under par. Noh, a 21-year-old prodigy, fired a sizzling 65 on Friday, while former world No. 1 Jutanugarn posted a solid 66 to keep pace.
A Dramatic Final Round Awaits
As the storm clouds gather and the wind whips across the course, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the LPGA’s Japan odyssey. With just 18 holes remaining and the leaderboard tightly packed, every shot will count as the world’s best female golfers battle the elements and each other for the coveted title.
For Wakimoto, the pressure is on to deliver a victory on home soil and cement her status as Japan’s brightest golfing talent. But with Noh and Jutanugarn in hot pursuit, and a host of other contenders waiting in the wings, nothing is certain in this storm-shortened showdown.
An Uncertain Future for the LPGA’s Asian Swing
The chaos in Japan caps off a tumultuous four-event Asian swing for the LPGA Tour, which has seen tournaments in China, South Korea, and Malaysia impacted by various challenges, from pandemic restrictions to political tensions.
As the tour looks ahead to an uncertain future in the region, questions are being raised about the long-term viability of these events and whether alternative locations may need to be considered. However, for now, all eyes are on Japan as the LPGA’s best and brightest prepare to weather the storm and crown a champion in the face of adversity.
This has been a challenging year for the LPGA, particularly in Asia, but we remain committed to providing our players with the best possible opportunities to compete at the highest level. We’re grateful to our partners and the local communities for their support during these difficult times.
An LPGA spokesperson
As Typhoon Kong-rey bears down on the Seta Golf Course, the golfing world holds its breath, waiting to see who will emerge victorious from this tempest-tossed tournament. Will Hana Wakimoto ride the winds of fortune to a historic home-soil triumph, or will one of her rivals steal the show in a final-round flourish? Only time, and the whims of the weather, will tell.
