The excitement in women's golf is palpable this week as the latest world rankings were updated, revealing significant movements among several Japanese players just before the U.S. Women's Open, set to begin on May 29, 2025, at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.
Yuna Yoshida made headlines by soaring from 150th to 96th place in the rankings after securing her fourth victory at the 'V Point x SMBC Ladies' tournament, marking her return to the top 100 for the first time in nine months. "I am grateful for my performance and excited to participate in the upcoming U.S. Women's Open," said Yoshida, reflecting on her recent success.
Meanwhile, Wakaba Higuchi impressed by climbing 51 spots to land at 102nd. Notably, Chiharu Iwai held steady at 41st, while Musubi Kawamoto rose to 71st after a commendable season. Minami Katsu also reported progress, increasing her ranking by seven positions to reach 86th. Hinako Shibuno, who had previously captured attention as one of Japan's leading golfers, moved up two spots to 69th.
Despite the changes, Nelly Korda remains perched atop the rankings, with Jeenatta Titatche of Thailand swapping places with New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, now in third. Among Japanese golfers, Sayaka Furue ranks highest at 7th, with Yuuna Yamashita, Reia Shimokawa, and Yuka Yasuda trailing behind in the subsequent positions, creating a competitive landscape for the upcoming major.
The U.S. Women's Open will grant entry to the top 75 players in the rankings as of March 24, which now includes six additional Japanese players: Yuuna Yamashita, Akane Iwai (24th), Chiharu Iwai, Shiho Kuwaki (65th), Musubi Kawamoto, and Ai Suzuki (72nd). This influx of qualified players is indicative of the growing strength of Japanese women in the sport.
For many, the U.S. Women's Open is a critical platform. The qualifications also include rules for the top finishers from previous tournaments. Yuka Yasuda is confirmed as a past champion, having won the tournament in 2021. This status secures her participation, as does Hinako Shibuno’s 2nd place finish last year alongside fellow top-10 finishers Sayaka Furue, Reia Shimokawa, and Sakura Koiwai.
Yasuda's insights resonate with the aspirations of many athletes: "It’s all about showcasing our abilities on this major stage and inspiring future generations," she remarked.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds not only for the competition but also for the qualifying rounds that are set to occur on April 22 at Kazusa Country Club in Chiba Prefecture in Japan. This event will signal one last chance for players to secure their spots in one of golf's most prestigious tournaments.
The qualifying criteria are as follows: winners from the last 10 years of the U.S. Women's Open, the top 10 from last year’s event, several prior champions in other major tournaments, and the top 30 from the previous year’s point rankings, creating varied pathways to entry.
Ultimately, with opportunities still on the table for players, the pathway to Erin Hills remains busy as athletes push themselves to perform at the best of their abilities. Musubi Kawamoto expressed her commitment, saying, "I want to focus on my game and not worry about outside opinions." This mindset is essential as competition heats up.
With the final results of the rankings expected to shift once more just before the tournament, players know that every stroke matters—and the preparations continue. As more Japanese golfers position themselves for success, the stage is set for an exciting showdown at the U.S. Women's Open.
