Japanese “Full Members” in Arizona: Takeda Reo, Yoshida Yuri Lead Strongest Field
- The LPGA Tour's Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is set to begin Thursday, March 27, at Whirlwind golf Club in Arizona.
- The tournament, the sixth of the season and the third in the U.S., follows the Founders Cup and marks a return to the Phoenix area.
- 1 Nelly Korda, who skipped the recent Asian Series, will compete as the defending champion from the Founders Cup where she finished seventh.
Ford Championship Preview: Top Golfers Converge in Arizona
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The LPGA Tour’s Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass is set to begin Thursday, March 27, at Whirlwind golf Club in Arizona.
The tournament, the sixth of the season and the third in the U.S., follows the Founders Cup and marks a return to the Phoenix area. Whirlwind Golf Club, located approximately 20 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport, previously hosted a men’s lower-tier tour event for five years starting in 2001.
World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who skipped the recent Asian Series, will compete as the defending champion from the Founders Cup where she finished seventh. The field includes all top-10 ranked players, vying for a share of the $2.25 million purse.
A contingent of 13 Japanese players will participate, marking the frist time so many have played in the same tournament this season. takeda Reo, fresh off a victory at the Blue Bay LPGA, looks to continue her momentum after distancing herself from Yamashita Miyuu and iwai Akia.
Furue Ayaka, currently fourth in the annual points race, has consistently performed well, finishing within the top 25 in her last five tournaments. Following a strong showing in the Asian Series, she seeks her first victory of the season.
Six players from the previous week’s domestic tour, “V Points x SMBC Ladies,” will also compete. Yoshida Yuri, who secured a nine-stroke victory, aims to carry that momentum onto the LPGA Tour. Iwai Akia, Chirei Twins, Katsu minami, and Shibuno Hinako, all top-10 finishers, have also joined the field.
Sasao Yuka will make her first appearance since the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Rookie Baba Saki, who finished 17th at the Blue Bay LPGA, will be playing her first U.S. tournament of the season.
New pace-of-play rules will be implemented at the tournament. These rules include fines for delays of 1 to 5 seconds, a one-stroke penalty for 6 to 15 seconds, and a two-stroke penalty for 16 seconds or more. Players exceeding 40 holes under the allotted time during the remaining season, with some exceptions, will also be subject to fines.
Ford Championship Preview: Your Top Questions Answered
The Ford championship is a highlight of the LPGA Tour, drawing top golfers to Arizona.This Q&A-style article provides a thorough overview of the upcoming tournament, answering key questions and offering insights into the players and the event.
What is the Ford Championship?
The Ford Championship is a professional women’s golf tournament on the LPGA Tour. It marks a return to the Phoenix area and is the sixth event of the LPGA season and the third in the U.S. The tournament is presented by Wild Horse Pass and will be held at the Whirlwind Golf Club.
When and Where is the Ford Championship Being Held?
Dates: The tournament starts on Thursday, March 27.
Location: Whirlwind Golf Club in Arizona. The course is located approximately 20 minutes from sky harbor International Airport.
Who are the Top Players to Watch?
Nelly Korda: the World no. 1 is a key player to watch, defending her title.
Takeda Reo: Fresh off a victory at the Blue Bay LPGA, is looking to continue her winning streak
Furue Ayaka: Currently fourth in the annual points race, consistently performs well, aiming for her first victory of the season.
Yoshida Yuri, Iwai Akia, Chirei Twins, Katsu minami, and Shibuno Hinako: Six players from the previous week’s domestic tour will also participate and aim to carry their momentum onto the LPGA Tour.
What is the Purse for the Ford Championship?
The players will compete for a share of a $2.25 million purse.
What are the new Pace-of-Play Rules for this Tournament?
The Ford Championship will implement new rules to manage pace of play:
delays of 1-5 seconds: Fines.
delays of 6-15 seconds: One-stroke penalty.
Delays of 16 seconds or more: Two-stroke penalty.
Players exceeding 40 holes under the allotted time during the remaining season, with some exceptions, will also be subject to fines.
Players to Watch: Key Highlights
| Player | Key Facts |
| —————- | ———————————————————————————————– |
| Nelly Korda | World No. 1; Defending champion; finished seventh at the Founders Cup. |
| takeda Reo | Fresh off a victory at the Blue Bay LPGA. |
| Furue Ayaka | Currently fourth in the annual points race; seeking her first victory of the season. |
| yoshida Yuri | Secured a nine-stroke victory in the previous week’s domestic tour, aiming to carry that momentum |
| Baba Saki | Rookie; playing her first U.S. tournament of the season. |