Hinako Shibuno is back on the U.S. golf scene, aiming to make a significant impact at the Ford Championship, which runs from March 27 to March 30, 2025, at Wild Wind Golf Club in Arizona. After a month-long absence from the U.S. tour, Shibuno is eager to capitalize on her recent success in Japan, where she finished sixth at the V Point x SMBC Ladies tournament.
In a pre-tournament interview with WOWOW, Shibuno expressed her excitement about returning to the U.S. tour. "This is my fourth tournament of the season, but I still haven't been able to compete at the top level, so I want to do my best," she said. The Ford Championship marks her first appearance on the U.S. tour since the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore, where she finished 45th.
Shibuno's recent performance in Japan has given her a boost of confidence. "I received a lot of good stimulation from the tournament in Japan last week, and I want to do my best in America again," she noted. Her sixth-place finish in Japan, where she ended with a total of two under par, has reignited her competitive spirit as she prepares for the challenges ahead.
As she gears up for the Ford Championship, Shibuno has been working closely with her new caddy, Taiga Tabuchi, for the next two tournaments. Tabuchi, a former student of her high school golf coach, brings a fresh perspective to her game. "It feels really new and fresh, and I’m looking forward to it," Shibuno said with a smile, noting that having him on her bag gives her a sense of confidence.
Shibuno completed a practice round on March 25, where she evaluated the course conditions. "The greens felt flat and soft, but there are many undulations, making it quite difficult. Depending on where you place your shots, I think there are plenty of opportunities for birdies," she explained. With a course length of 6661 yards and a par of 72, Wild Wind GC presents a unique challenge that Shibuno is eager to tackle.
However, the dry conditions in Arizona mean that the fairways are hard, which could affect her shot distance. "The ball seems to roll more than I expected, and I think my shots will travel further due to the dry conditions," she remarked. "I need to adjust my strategy accordingly, especially since the greens are likely to get faster as the tournament progresses. I want to make sure my touch is precise on the greens."
Despite feeling that her shot condition is improving, Shibuno admitted, "I’m not at 100% yet, but I think I’m getting better. I want to make sure I can swing well and compete effectively." She is determined to leave her mark in this tournament, especially since it has been six years since her last victory on the U.S. tour.
Shibuno's return to the U.S. comes at a time when she is part of a larger contingent of Japanese players making waves on the golf scene. Thirteen Japanese players are competing in the Ford Championship, marking a significant moment for the country in women's golf. The gathering of these talented athletes is expected to elevate the competition level, and Shibuno is keen to establish her presence among them.
Reflecting on her recent performances, Shibuno noted the importance of mental resilience. "Mental control is an eternal challenge for golfers, but those who can manage it are the ones who compete at the highest levels," she shared. This insight underscores her commitment to improving not just her physical game but also her mental approach as she navigates the pressures of high-stakes tournaments.
Shibuno's journey back to the U.S. tour has not been without its challenges. She expressed feelings of disappointment after finishing 67th in her season opener at the Founders Cup and struggling in the Asia series, where she placed 54th and 45th. "Those two weeks were really frustrating," she admitted, but her recent success has reignited her hope and determination to perform better.
As the tournament unfolds, Shibuno is focused on executing her game plan. "I want to improve my par-on rate and ensure I’m making the most of my opportunities on the course," she said. With her sights set firmly on achieving her first U.S. tour victory in six years, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce.
With the Ford Championship set to begin, fans are eager to see how Shibuno will fare against a talented field, including other prominent Japanese players. The excitement is palpable, and all eyes will be on her as she seeks to reclaim her place among the top competitors in women's golf.
As the tournament kicks off, Shibuno's journey continues, filled with potential and promise. With the support of her new caddy and the lessons learned from her recent performances, she is poised to make a strong showing at Wild Wind Golf Club. Will this be the tournament where she breaks through and secures her long-awaited victory? Only time will tell.
