What a performance: Shuri Sakuma claimed her first LPGA Tour title at the Toto Japan Classic on home soil, and with a comeback that won't soon be forgotten! The 23-year-old Japanese player carded a bogey-free 8-under 64 to finish with a sensational 20-under 268 strokes, distancing her compatriot Aki Iwai by a solid four shots.
Sakuma was only in a tie for fifth place before the final round, three shots behind the lead. She started with two birdies on holes 2 and 6 before unleashing a veritable fireworks display on the back nine: five consecutive birdies from 11 to 15, and another on the par-5 17th. Aki Iwai, the 54-hole leader, managed only a 1-under 71 on this decisive Sunday, finishing in second place with 16-under 272.
The New Face of the LPGA?
With this performance, Sakuma made a huge statement, cashing in $315,000 from the $2.1 million prize fund. The victory grants her eligibility to compete on the LPGA Tour – an option she will hopefully pursue. It was already her fifth JLPGA Tour victory in 2026 and her ninth career triumph on home soil.
Asia's Golf Wave Rolls On
Shuri Sakuma's strong performance confirms the trend: Japanese players have won three of the last four LPGA events on the Asian continent this season. Defending champion Nasa Hataoka secured a tie for fifth place after a final round of 72, while Hwang Yu-min and Kim Hyo-joo shared sixth place. The Toto Japan Classic marked the crowning conclusion of the late 2026 LPGA Asia Series.
