The LPGA Tour heads to Omitama, Ibaraki, Japan for the 51st playing of the TOTO Japan Classic at Taiheiyo Club’s Minori Course. Defending champion Gemma Dryburgh is set to tee it up as are a slew of major champions, including In Gee Chun, Danielle Kang, Yuka Saso and Hinako Shibuno. Former Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1 Jiyai Shin will also compete as will current Rolex Rankings No. 7 and 2023 LPGA Tour winner Hyo Joo Kim. A $2 million purse is up for grabs and so are points in the Race to the CME Globe, Rolex Player of the Year and Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year award standings. Take a look at who else will be playing this week at the TOTO Japan Classic.
Past Champions (6):
Gemma Dryburgh (2022), Ai Suzuki (2019), Nasa Hataoka (2018), Mi Hyang Lee (2014), Momoko Ueda (2011, 2007), Jiyai Shin (2010, 2008)
2023 LPGA Tour Winners (5 of 22):
Pajaree Anannarukarn (Bank of Hope LPGA Match-Play presented by MGM Rewards), Hannah Green (JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro), Hyo Joo Kim (The Ascendant LPGA benefiting Volunteers of America), Chanettee Wannasaen (Portland Classic), Rose Zhang (Mizuho Americas Open)
2023 LPGA Tour Rookies (8 of 32):
Celine Borge, Minami Katsu, Yan Liu, Yuna Nishimura, Bailey Tardy, Chanettee Wannasaen, Arpichaya Yubol, Rose Zhang
Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Top 10 (1 of 10):
Hyo Joo Kim (No. 7)
LPGA Tour Members from Japan (6):
Ayaka Furue, Nasa Hataoka, Minami Katsu, Yuna Nishimura, Yuka Saso, Hinako Shibuno