What Is 2018 LPGA of Japan Tour

Overview

The 2018 LPGA of Japan Tour represented the 51st competitive season of the Ladies Professional Golf Association of Japan, a premier women’s golf circuit in Asia. This season showcased top-tier talent from Japan and international players competing across 38 official events held throughout the country.

The tour maintained its role as a critical development platform for Japanese golfers aiming for global recognition, especially on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour. With increasing prize purses and media coverage, the 2018 season highlighted growing investment in women’s golf within Japan.

• 38 tournaments were held during the 2018 season, marking a full and competitive calendar year across various Japanese prefectures.
• The total prize money for the season exceeded ¥1.8 billion, reflecting a steady increase in sponsorship and organizational support.
• Ayaka Furue claimed the Vantelin Queen Elizabeth Cup and finished first on the Money List with ¥128,750,600 in earnings.
• Nasa Hataoka won the most events during the season, securing 6 victories, including major titles like the World Ladies Championship.
• The tour’s season concluded with the Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship, one of the most prestigious events on the calendar.

How It Works

The LPGA of Japan Tour operates as a season-long series of stroke-play tournaments where players earn ranking points and prize money based on finishing positions. The structure supports player development, sponsor engagement, and national visibility for women’s golf.

• Season Duration: The 2018 tour spanned from April to December, aligning with favorable weather conditions across Japan.
• Player Eligibility: Membership includes Japanese nationals and select international players who qualify through tour school or sponsor invitations.
• Scoring System: Players earn points based on finishes, contributing to the Official Money List and Player of the Year rankings.
• Prize Distribution: Each tournament awards prize money, with purses ranging from ¥70 million to over ¥100 million for majors.
• Ranking Qualifiers: Top performers gain exemptions into international events, including the U.S. LPGA Tour and major championships.
• Season Finale: The Tsuruya Open and Japan Women’s Open serve as climax events, offering enhanced points and prestige.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2018 LPGA of Japan Tour against other major women’s golf tours:

The LPGA of Japan Tour ranked among the most active and financially robust regional tours in 2018. While prize funds trailed the U.S. LPGA, Japan’s tour hosted more events than its American counterpart and fostered strong domestic talent pipelines. Its structure supports deep player participation and consistent media exposure across the season.

Why It Matters

The 2018 LPGA of Japan Tour played a pivotal role in advancing women’s sports in Japan and strengthening the country’s presence in global golf. With rising stars like Nasa Hataoka transitioning to international success, the tour demonstrated its importance as a competitive incubator.

• Player Development: The tour serves as a primary pathway for Japanese golfers aiming to compete on the U.S. LPGA circuit.
• Economic Impact: Host cities benefit from tourism and local business activity during tournament weekends.
• Media Exposure: Broadcast partnerships with NHK and cable networks increased visibility for women’s sports.
• Sponsorship Growth: Companies like Vantelin and Tsuruya invested heavily, indicating corporate confidence in women’s golf.
• Youth Inspiration: Success stories motivate younger generations to pursue golf professionally.
• Global Rankings: Strong performances help Japanese players climb the World Amateur Golf Ranking and qualify for majors.

As women’s golf continues to gain momentum worldwide, the 2018 season underscored Japan’s enduring commitment to cultivating elite female athletes and maintaining a vibrant domestic tour structure.