Yuri Yoshida Races Ahead With Six-Stroke Lead At Ladies Golf Tournament

Yuri Yoshida has taken a commanding lead at the V Point x SMBC Ladies Golf Tournament, held on March 22, 2025, at the scenic Sumire Country Club in Chiba. The 24-year-old golfer showcased her skill and determination by finishing the round at an impressive 9 under par, extending her lead to six strokes over the competition.

After beginning the day with one stroke behind the leaders, Yoshida quickly made her mark. She accumulated five birdies during the round, including a remarkable streak of four consecutive birdies starting at the third hole. Her flawless game, which included no bogeys, allowed her to post a score of 64, matching her best performance on a par 72 course.

This strong performance brings her total to 12 under par for the tournament, and elevates her status as one of Japan's top golfers, particularly as she competes primarily in the US tour circuit.

Among the contestants contending for the second-place spot, rookie Kanako Aoki, who is making her pro debut, played steadily with a score of 72, tying for second at four under par. In this grouping, she shares space with second-year pro Hana Suzaki and veteran Ai Suzuki, last year's tournament champion, who managed to shoot a respectable 68.

Hinako Shibuno had an up-and-down day, finishing the round with two birdies, two bogeys, and one double bogey for a total score of 72, placing her tied for sixth at two under par. Starting in fourth place, her challenging round leaves her seven strokes behind Yoshida.

Yoshida, who received robust support from the local fans—many of whom traveled to cheer her on—expressed her desire to continue performing well. "I also want to repay with a good performance," she stated, a sentiment echoed by her loyal following. Her dedication to improving in every round has been evident throughout her career, marking her as a golfer to watch in the coming years.

Other notable performances include Momoko Osato, who carded four birdies and one bogey, finishing the day with a score of 69, and tied for second with both Suzaki and Aoki. Further down the leaderboard, Sakura Komoi, one of the up-and-coming pros, managed to round the day off with a one under par score, tying for ninth place.

As the tournament progresses, anticipation builds around whether Yoshida can maintain her lead and secure her fourth domestic victory since the World Ladies Salonpas Cup in 2023. With only one round remaining, the pressure is mounting for all players vying for the top spots.

As it stands, the current top rankings show Yoshida leading at -12, followed by a tie between Suzaki and Osato at -4, while Suzuki and Ayako Kimura sit at -3. Shibuno and a few other competitors, including Aoki, are contending for respectable placements as the final round approaches.

With 18 holes left to play, the excitement surrounding the tournament remains palpable. Fans and fellow players are eager to see if Yoshida can maintain her unprecedented lead or if another player will step up and challenge her dominance as the tournament reaches its final chapter.