After Hinako Shibuno stunned the golf world and won the 2019 AIG Women’s Open in her major debut, the Smiling Cinderella made the equally stunning decision to forgo the LPGA Tour Membership that came with the victory. She felt she just wasn’t ready for the globe-hopping lifestyle, opting instead to remain home in Japan and continue her JLPGA Tour career. It’s a decision she quickly made peace with and feels that she made the right call.
“I never regret that I didn't sign up for the Membership when I won the AIG,” said Shibuno after Wednesday’s practice round on the Crossings Course at Magnolia Grove.
Now, she’s ready to try her hand at the big time. With six JLPGA Tour wins and a slew of LPGA Tour competitions under her belt, Shibuno has traveled to Mobile, Al. with one thought in mind – capturing that LPGA Tour card and starting a new phase of her career.
“I'm aiming that I have to get the Membership,” she said. “But I cannot, this is not the goal. This will be the starting point for me.”
So what’s the goal? She’s keen to add a second major to her resume, with the U.S. Women’s Open at the top of her wish list.
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