What Is 2020 LPGA of Japan Tour

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 LPGA of Japan Tour was the 52nd season of the professional golf tour for women in Japan, shortened to 27 events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Ayaka Hirahara winning the most titles (3) and Nasa Hiraoka claiming the money title.

Key Facts

The 2020 LPGA of Japan Tour was the 52nd season of the tour
The season was shortened to 27 official events due to the pandemic
Nasa Hiraoka won the money title with ¥126,710,540 in earnings
Ayaka Hirahara won the most tournaments (3) during the season
The tour began on July 5 with the Fujitsu Ladies Open and ended on December 13

Overview

The 2020 LPGA of Japan Tour marked the 52nd competitive season of the Japan-based women’s professional golf circuit. Originally scheduled for over 30 events, the season was significantly impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in cancellations and rescheduling of numerous tournaments.

Despite the disruptions, the tour resumed in July and completed a condensed schedule of 27 official events. The season featured top Japanese and international players competing for ranking points, prize money, and qualification into global events, maintaining the tour’s reputation as one of Asia’s premier women’s golf circuits.

July 5, 2020: The season officially began with the Fujitsu Ladies Open, the first event held after a months-long suspension due to the pandemic.
27 events: The revised calendar included 27 official tournaments, down from the originally planned 35+, reflecting widespread adjustments.
Nasa Hiraoka: Topped the money list with ¥126,710,540 in earnings, securing the season’s Vantelin Race to the Championship title.
Ayaka Hirahara: Led the tour with 3 victories, including the Daio Paper Elleair Open and the Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship.
Championship finale: The season concluded on December 13, 2020 with the LPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup, a 72-hole event in Oita Prefecture.

How It Works

The LPGA of Japan Tour operates through a season-long points and earnings structure, with players accumulating prize money and ranking points across official events to determine annual honors and eligibility.

Season Structure: The tour follows a calendar-year format with events typically running from spring to December, though 2020 saw a delayed start in July.
Prize Money: Each tournament offers a purse ranging from ¥70 million to over ¥100 million, with winners receiving 18–20% of the total.
Money Title: The player with the highest total earnings at season’s end wins the Vantelin Race to the Championship and associated bonuses.
Order of Merit: Based on prize money, the top 30 players earn full exemption for the following season, ensuring competitive continuity.
Ranking Points: Players earn points based on finishes, contributing to the official world golf rankings and qualification for international events.
Eligibility: The tour includes Japanese nationals and approved international players, with sponsor exemptions granted for select events.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2020 LPGA of Japan Tour with other major women’s golf tours in terms of structure, earnings, and event count:

Tour	Season Events (2020)	Top Earner	Season Earnings	Season Start/End
LPGA of Japan Tour	27	Nasa Hiraoka	¥126.7 million	July 5 – Dec 13
LPGA Tour (USA)	16	Kim Sei-young	$2,484,246	January 16 – Oct 18
Ladies European Tour	12	Georgia Hall	€227,456	August 6 – Nov 8
KLPGA Tour (Korea)	35	Park Min-ji	₩1.1 billion	May 1 – Nov 22
Australasian WPGA Tour	5	Sarah Kemp	AU$104,000	February 13 – Nov 15

The 2020 season highlighted the resilience of the LPGA of Japan Tour compared to other circuits, as it managed to complete a full majority of its events despite the pandemic. While the LPGA Tour in the U.S. saw fewer events and lower overall participation, Japan’s tour maintained strong domestic competition and prize fund stability. The KLPGA in Korea held the most events, but Japan’s tour remained a key feeder for international qualification and world ranking points. This comparative performance underscores the tour’s organizational strength and deep player base.

Why It Matters

The 2020 LPGA of Japan Tour played a crucial role in sustaining professional women’s golf during a year of global uncertainty, providing athletes with competitive opportunities and preserving fan engagement through televised events.

Player Development: The tour serves as a primary pathway for Japanese golfers to gain experience before competing internationally on the LPGA or JLPGA global stage.
Economic Impact: Host cities benefit from tourism and media exposure, with tournaments generating local revenue and sponsor visibility.
Global Representation: Strong performances on the tour qualify players for events like the Women’s British Open and the Olympics.
Gender Equity: The tour promotes women’s sports in Japan, contributing to broader societal recognition of female athletes.
Sponsorship Platform: Major brands like Fujitsu, Daio Paper, and Ricoh use the tour for long-term marketing and community outreach.
Pandemic Resilience: Successfully completing 27 events in 2020 demonstrated operational adaptability and commitment to athlete safety.

By maintaining a robust schedule amid unprecedented challenges, the 2020 LPGA of Japan Tour reinforced its status as a cornerstone of women’s professional golf in Asia and a model for tournament continuity during crises.