Hinako Shibuno is making waves at the Chevron Championship, the first major of the LPGA season, as she navigates through challenging conditions at the Carlton Woods Club in Texas. On April 25, 2025, the second round of the tournament faced a 1.5-hour delay due to fog, and as the sun set, the competition was suspended, leaving several players to finish in near darkness.
Starting the day in 61st place, Shibuno showcased her resilience, carding 4 birdies and 3 bogeys for a score of 71. This performance brought her to an even par total, placing her provisionally in 40th position and securing her advancement to the final rounds of the tournament.
Shibuno's closing moments were nothing short of dramatic. As she approached the 18th hole, a par 5, she relied on the dim lighting provided by course illuminations to sink a crucial 2-meter birdie putt. Celebrating the moment, she raised both hands in joy, expressing her relief and excitement after a challenging day on the greens. “This is my first time playing in such darkness, and I was enjoying it,” Shibuno said in an interview with WOWOW after her round.
The final hole was played in almost complete darkness, with Shibuno relying on the lights around the course to guide her play. Reflecting on her experience, she remarked, “I was wondering if it would be better if I couldn't see.” Despite the unusual circumstances, she managed to find her rhythm, especially after a rocky start that included a bogey on the first hole when her putt lipped out of the cup.
After dropping another stroke on the fifth hole, Shibuno rebounded with three consecutive birdies starting from the sixth hole, showcasing her determination and skill. “The front nine was more challenging, but I was able to relax as I progressed,” she noted, acknowledging the pressure she felt early in the round.
As the competition continues, Shibuno is optimistic about her chances moving forward. With the top scores not significantly increasing, she finds herself just seven strokes behind the leader as she heads into the weekend. “I want to make more birdies tomorrow and believe there’s still a chance to move up the leaderboard,” she said, exuding confidence.
On the third day of competition, April 26, 2025, Shibuno faced another day of challenges, finishing with a score of 72, consisting of 1 birdie and 1 bogey. In her interview, she expressed a hint of regret, wishing she had capitalized on more birdie opportunities. “I wanted another birdie and to extend my score, but I’m glad I didn’t drop any further,” she reflected.
Playing alongside fellow competitors, Shibuno noted the importance of maintaining a steady pace throughout her round. “I was waiting for my putts to fall, and while I didn’t find many chances early on, I felt more in control as the round progressed,” she shared.
Her performance on the 13th hole, a par 5, was a highlight of the day, where she made a successful birdie after placing her third shot just 2 meters from the hole. Shibuno’s fairway keep rate was an impressive 92.8%, and she recorded a driving distance of 262 yards, showcasing her powerful play.
However, a bogey on the 15th hole dampened her spirits slightly. “I felt a bit of fatigue towards the end, and my timing was off,” she admitted, indicating her desire to rest and recover ahead of the final round.
As the tournament progresses, Shibuno's focus remains on improving her performance. “I believe that if I can convert more birdies, it will change the flow of my game,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on par 5 opportunities.
With her current standing at 31st place, Shibuno is determined to finish strong in this major event. “I want to finish better than my current ranking and aim for an under-par score in the final round,” she concluded, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
As the Chevron Championship unfolds, fans are eagerly anticipating Shibuno's next moves on the course, hoping to see her signature smile return as she contends for a top position in this prestigious tournament.
