Japan’s rising golf star Hana Wakimoto continued her brilliant play at the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic on Friday, carding a solid 4-under par 68 to maintain her two-shot lead at the halfway mark of the tournament. The 21-year-old Wakimoto, who electrified her home fans with a stunning 9-under 63 in the opening round, proved that score was no fluke with another impressive showing in round two.
Hot on Wakimoto’s heels are American Yealimi Noh and Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn. Noh fired a scintillating 65 on Friday to surge up the leaderboard, while Jutanugarn’s 66 kept her within striking distance of the young Japanese phenom. Japan’s Rio Takeda also remained in the mix after posting a 65 to sit three strokes behind her compatriot Wakimoto.
A Star is Born on Home Soil
Hana Wakimoto’s meteoric rise has captured the hearts of golf fans across Japan. The Kumamoto native turned professional just last year but has already notched two victories on the JLPGA Tour. Now, she’s making waves globally with her sterling play against the LPGA’s best at the Toto Japan Classic.
According to a source close to Wakimoto, the young star has been working tirelessly on her game and feels primed for a breakthrough. “Hana’s ball-striking has been incredibly sharp and her putter is as hot as can be,” the insider revealed. “She’s brimming with confidence and really believes this could be her week.”
Chasing Pack Ready to Pounce
While Wakimoto’s play has been nothing short of sensational, a hungry pack of challengers lies in wait, eager to make their move over the final two rounds:
- Yealimi Noh – The long-hitting American has been a picture of consistency, ranking in the top-10 in both driving distance and greens in regulation through 36 holes.
- Ariya Jutanugarn – The two-time major champion from Thailand is no stranger to the winner’s circle. Her all-around game looks as sharp as ever this week.
- Rio Takeda – Flying under the radar, the steady Takeda has put together back-to-back rounds in the mid-60s to announce herself as a serious contender.
Moving Day Awaits
As the scene shifts to the weekend, all eyes will be on the precocious Wakimoto to see if she can continue her magical run in front of an adoring Japanese gallery. Saturday’s third round, often referred to as “moving day” in golf circles, will be pivotal.
“You can’t win the tournament on Saturday, but you can certainly lose it. I just need to stay patient, stick to my game plan, and give myself as many birdie looks as possible.”
– Hana Wakimoto
With a chance to become the first Japanese player to win the Toto Japan Classic since 2019, the pressure on young Wakimoto will be immense. But if her first two rounds are any indication, this rising star appears more than up to the task of delivering a storybook ending in the Land of the Rising Sun.
