Sakura Nishimura made history on April 28, 2025, by winning her first major title at the Chevron Championship held in Texas. The 23-year-old golfer from Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, triumphed in a thrilling playoff after finishing the final round with a score of 74, which included three birdies and five bogeys. Her remarkable achievement means that Japan has now secured victories in all five major women's golf championships.
Nishimura entered the final day tied for the lead at 7 under par along with four other competitors. The tension mounted as all five players battled for supremacy, but it was Nishimura who emerged victorious in the playoff held on the par-5 18th hole. She secured the win with the only birdie of the playoff, celebrating her victory with the traditional "pond dive" that has become a hallmark of major championship triumphs.
This victory at the Chevron Championship marks a significant milestone for Nishimura, who has already established herself as a formidable competitor in the sport. She began her professional journey by winning the Japan Women's Amateur Championship in 2019. Following her amateur success, she turned professional in 2022, quickly making a name for herself by clinching five titles on the Japan Tour that year.
As she transitioned to the U.S. tour in 2024, Nishimura continued to impress, achieving seven top-10 finishes in her debut season. Notably, she finished fifth at the Blue Bay LPGA in February 2025 and ninth at the T-Mobile Match Play earlier this month, showcasing her growing prowess on the international stage.
Reflecting on her journey, Nishimura expressed gratitude for the support she has received. "I am thrilled to win my first major title and to be part of this historic moment for Japanese women’s golf," she said. "This victory is not just for me, but for all the players who have paved the way before me."
Indeed, Nishimura's win adds to a legacy of excellence in Japanese women's golf. Hisako Higuchi was the first Japanese player to secure a major title when she won the All-American Women's Professional Golf Championship in 1977. Higuchi also made history by winning the European Ladies Open in 1976, becoming the first Japanese player to triumph on the U.S. tour.
Hinako Shibuno followed suit in 2019, capturing the AIG Women’s British Open at just 20 years old. Shibuno’s charismatic play and infectious smile earned her the nickname "Smiling Cinderella," and she solidified her place in history by winning in dramatic fashion, sinking a crucial 6-meter birdie putt on the final hole.
Yuka Saso also made headlines by winning the U.S. Women’s Open in both 2021 and 2024. She became the youngest champion at the 2021 event, defeating Nasa Hataoka in a playoff at just 19 years and 11 months old.
Another notable figure is Ayaka Furue, who joined the ranks of major champions by winning the Amundi Evian Championship in 2024. Furue's journey began as an amateur when she won the Fujitsu Ladies in 2019, and she has since become a key player on the U.S. tour.
Nishimura’s recent victory not only highlights her talent but also the strength of the new generation of Japanese golfers. With her impressive skills and determination, she has quickly become a role model for aspiring athletes in Japan and around the world.
As the golf season progresses, all eyes will be on Nishimura to see how she builds on this monumental victory. Her current world ranking stands at 37th, making her the seventh highest-ranked Japanese player, trailing behind notable names such as Ayaka Furue and Nasa Hataoka.
In addition to her on-course achievements, Nishimura has a light-hearted side, enjoying comedy as a hobby. She began playing golf at the tender age of five, and her love for the sport has only grown since then.
As she celebrates her first major victory, Nishimura's name will undoubtedly be remembered in the annals of golf history. Her win at the Chevron Championship signifies not just a personal achievement but a momentous occasion for Japanese women's golf, as it marks the culmination of a long-standing pursuit for excellence on the global stage.
With her eyes set on future tournaments, fans and fellow competitors alike are eager to see what the future holds for Sakura Nishimura. Will she continue to break barriers and set new records? One thing is for certain: she has already made her mark, and the world of golf is watching closely.
