The golf world watches keenly towards Japan: The 2026 TOTO Japan Classic features a highly anticipated showdown between two top players, Jeeno Thitikul and Miyu Yamashita, both of whom are having a phenomenal 2026 season and dictating the current form of the LPGA. This 78-player field, with no cut, at the Taiheiyo Club Minori Course in Ibaraki, promises pure drama from Thursday to Sunday.
First up is Jeeno Thitikul, the 23-year-old Thai sensation, who arrives as World No. 2 and has already secured four LPGA victories in this 2026 season. The Honda LPGA, Mizuho Americas Open, Portland Classic, and the LOTTE Championship – her trophy cabinet is practically bursting at the seams. She's starting strong and is considered one of the hottest prospects.
Chasing Home Advantage
Facing her is Miyu Yamashita, currently ranked World No. 4, who claimed her third LPGA title of 2026 last week at the Maybank Championship. What a run! She also leads the Vare Trophy for the best scoring average – everything is simply going her way. For Yamashita, it's also about making history: becoming the first Japanese player since Ai Miyazato in 2010 to win LPGA events in consecutive weeks. The pressure to triumph at home is immense.
A Star-Studded Field
But the field isn't just a duel of giants. Defending champion Nasa Hataoka, who snatched victory in 2025, is also back. Other high-caliber players like reigning AIG Women’s Open champion Shihō Kuwaki and Yui Yoshida, who just clinched her first LPGA title last month, are also teeing off. Jeeno Thitikul starts her first round on Thursday at 9:06 AM local time (1:06 AM CET) with Yuli Yoshida and Chisato Iwai – a true flight of champions!
