Shibuno Aims High After Solid Third Round

In a thrilling third round of the Chevron Championship, held on April 26, 2025, at the Carlton Woods Club in Woodlands, Texas, Japanese golfer Sakiko Shibuno made a notable effort, finishing the day at even par and securing her place at 31st overall. Starting the round in 40th position, Shibuno managed to improve her standing with a score of 72, which included one birdie and one bogey.

Shibuno's performance on the course was marked by moments of resilience. After enduring a tough front nine, she managed to sink a birdie on the 13th hole, a par 5, with a solid 2-meter putt. However, her momentum was slightly halted when she recorded a bogey on the 15th hole, failing to capitalize on her approach. The final hole, another par 5, also slipped by without further improvement to her score.

Post-round, Shibuno expressed her thoughts in an interview with WOWOW, stating, "I wanted one more birdie. It was a day where I wanted to push forward, and while I’m glad I didn’t drop any further, I really wanted to finish under par." Her desire for more birdies reflects the competitive spirit she brings to the tournament, especially as the final day approaches.

Despite her mixed feelings about the day’s performance, Shibuno's overall game has shown signs of progress. Golf commentator Tainiro Tanaka, who provided insights during the broadcast, praised her driving skills, noting, "Her driver shots were good. The distance was there. If I could wish for anything, it would be for her iron shots to be more involved in the scoring opportunities." Tanaka highlighted a noticeable change in Shibuno's club selection, indicating she has been opting for smaller clubs compared to her previous choices, which he views as a positive development.

As Shibuno prepares for the final round on April 27, she acknowledges the need to rest and recharge. "I felt fatigue setting in towards the end, and I want to ensure I’m ready for tomorrow," she remarked. Her reflections on the missed opportunities on par 5s indicate a strategic focus as she aims to elevate her standing in the tournament.

In the broader context of the Chevron Championship, the competition has been fierce. Fellow Japanese golfer Mao Saigo, starting the day in second place, surged to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive round of 69, totaling nine under par. Saigo's performance underscores the strength of Japanese golfers in this prestigious event, with eleven players from Japan making it to the final rounds.

Other notable performances included Rio Takeda, who finished the day with a score of 72, placing her at one under par in 24th position. Meanwhile, other competitors like Mimu Yamashita and Akari Iwai faced challenges, finishing at even and one over par, respectively. The competition remains tight, with several players closely vying for the top spots as the tournament heads into its final day.

The Chevron Championship, being the first major of the season for the LPGA, carries significant weight for players looking to establish momentum early in the year. Shibuno, known for her poise under pressure, will undoubtedly look to leverage her skills and experience to finish strong and potentially climb the leaderboard.

As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on Shibuno and her fellow competitors. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, every stroke will count. Fans are eager to see if Shibuno can harness her determination and skill to achieve her goal of finishing higher than her current position, making for an exciting conclusion to this major championship.