The excitement is palpable as the Axladies Golf Tournament in Miyazaki kicks off on March 28, 2025, marking a significant event in the women's professional golf calendar. This year, the tournament is set to unfold over three days at the UMKCC, featuring a challenging 6545-yard par 72 course. With a total prize pool of 100 million yen and a winning prize of 18 million yen, the stakes are high for the competitors.
Reina Miyata, affectionately known as the "homerun queen," is one of the standout players making her professional debut at this prestigious tournament. Just a month after celebrating her 21st birthday on February 18, 2025, Miyata is eager to showcase her skills after a remarkable amateur career that saw her become the sixth amateur to win the domestic women’s lower tour at the Daioh Unyu Ladies Open in 2024. This tournament is particularly special for her as she has finally passed the professional test on her fourth attempt.
Despite a challenging last year's final qualifying round where she finished 53rd, Miyata is optimistic about her debut. "I have to do my best. I want to win the rookie of the year title this season," she stated, reflecting her competitive spirit. In preparation for her debut, she participated in a training camp in Thailand and has been fine-tuning her game in Miyazaki Prefecture.
In her debut match, Miyata is grouped with fellow players Yoshikawa Suzuno and Aonoki Kanako, both of whom have had strong starts in previous tournaments. "I’m excited to play alongside them. It motivates me to push harder," she added, emphasizing her determination to succeed.
While Miyata has shown promise, she acknowledges the need to improve her short game, particularly her bunker shots. "I used to have too much weight on my right side during my swing, which led to mistakes. But I've been working on it and have seen significant improvement," she explained with a smile. Her dedication to mastering her skills is evident, especially after receiving valuable advice from seasoned players.
In addition to Miyata's debut, the tournament features several other local talents, including Yamauchi Nitsuko, who is looking to make her mark. "I’m filled with excitement and aiming to make as many birdies as possible to seize opportunities this week. I’m going for the win!" she expressed, highlighting her ambition and readiness to compete.
Kaya Wakimoto, another promising player who graduated from Nichisho Gakuen High School, also shared her enthusiasm. "I feel a newfound confidence that sets me apart from my previous self. I’m eager to give my best this week," she said, indicating her growth and determination.
The tournament will see twelve players with ties to Miyazaki Prefecture, including notable names like Shio Ohyama, who returns to the circuit after a break. Ohyama is set to start her round at 9:10 AM, while Yamauchi and Wakimoto will tee off at 10:10 AM alongside defending champion Reina Uesugi, and Wakimoto will follow at 10:30 AM.
As the tournament approaches, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The pro-am match scheduled for March 27 was unfortunately canceled due to thunderstorms, but local players have been making final adjustments to their games, ensuring they are ready to compete at the highest level.
The Axladies Golf Tournament not only showcases the talents of professional female golfers but also highlights the rich golfing culture in Miyazaki. With the local community rallying behind its athletes, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans and participants alike.
As the players prepare to take to the course, all eyes will be on Miyata and her fellow competitors. Will Miyata’s hard work and dedication pay off in her professional debut? Will local favorites rise to the occasion? The answers will unfold over the next three days as the tournament progresses.
With the live broadcast set to air on Television Miyazaki and U-NEXT, fans will have the opportunity to catch all the action as it happens. The tournament is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of women’s golf and the perseverance of athletes striving for excellence.
As the first round kicks off, the excitement is just beginning. Golf enthusiasts and local supporters are gearing up for an unforgettable experience as they cheer on their favorite players. The Axladies Golf Tournament in Miyazaki is ready to make its mark in the world of sports, and everyone is eager to see who will emerge victorious.
