Hana Wakimoto maintains lead in the LPGA Japan tournament

Hana Wakimoto Maintains Lead at Toto Japan Classic

Hana Wakimoto continued her impressive performance at the LPGA’s Toto Japan Classic, shooting a 4-under 68 in the second round to hold onto her lead. The Japanese player had an outstanding start with a 63 in the opening round, maintaining her position at the top with a total score of 13-under-par after 36 holes.

Yealimi Noh from the United States and Ariya Jutanugarn from Thailand are close behind, trailing by two strokes after the second round. Noh carded a 65, while Jutanugarn shot a 66. Rio Takeda of Japan is three strokes behind after a solid 65.

Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson, hailing from Smiths Falls, Ont., shot a 71 and is currently at 3-under, trailing by 10 strokes. Meanwhile, Minjee Lee from Australia is 11 strokes behind Wakimoto after shooting a 75.

Noh, who adopted a new putting stance over the past year, showcased her skills with an impressive performance. She birdied her first hole, followed by four consecutive birdies, and used only 20 putts throughout her second round.

Reflecting on her putting technique, Noh mentioned, “For me, last year, I was really struggling with my putting and I just needed something new and something completely different. My coach and my dad suggested a new stance, and it has helped me greatly in improving my stroke and speed with the putter.”

The Toto Japan Classic marks the conclusion of a successful four-event Asian swing for the LPGA Tour, including tournaments in China, South Korea, and Malaysia.