Meet LPGA Star Hinako Shibuno: Her Journey From Softball Pitches to Golfing Glory Explored

It was her crowning achievement, the 2019 Women’s British U.S. Open win, that solidified Hinako Shibuno’s status as a rising star. At just 20, “Smiling Cinderella” enchanted the world with her infectious beam and extraordinary skill.

Playing outside Japan for the first time, Shibuno was not just another competitor at the AIG Women’s British Open at Woburn Golf Club in England; she was a force to be reckoned with. With a bold, aggressive stroke on the final putt that hit the back of the cup and dropped, she clinched the tournament by one stroke over Lizette Salas, nailing her name in major championship history.

Her Sporting Legacy and the Choice: Golf Over Softball

Born in Okayama City, Japan, on November 15, 1998, to a discus-throwing father and a javelin-throwing mother, Shibuno was destined for an active life. She started playing golf and softball as a second grader, showing promise in both sports. As a softball player, she was a pitcher and a left-handed hitter. “To be honest, I still prefer softball to golf,” The Japanese admitted in an interview with The Asahi Shimbun before her historic British Open win.

Her versatility was evident when she finished third in the 2010 Okayama Prefecture Junior Golf Championship as a young golfer at just 12 years of age. Interestingly, at Jōtō Junior High School, Shibuno was the only female player in the school’s baseball club.

Despite her passion for baseball, winning the 2011 Okayama Prefecture Junior Golf Championship (junior high school division) nudged her to focus on golf, following the advice of her baseball coach. She also admitted in her interview, “Also, pitching in softball is similar to hitting a short approach shot in golf.” This pivotal decision set the stage for her future success.

High School Triumphs and Her Breakthrough Year

Enrolled at Sakuyō High School in 2014, Shibuno excelled in golf. She won the Chūgoku Region Women’s Amateur Championship that year and led her team to victory in the 2015 National High School Golf Championship. After graduating in 2017, she aimed for professional status but initially fell short. Undeterred, she honed her skills on the step-up tour circuit in 2018, scoring a notable hole-in-one at the Earth Mondahmin Cup despite missing the cut. By July 2018, she had passed the test to turn professional.

As of 2024, Shinobu is currently No. 62 on the Rolex ranking, and her breakthrough on the world rankings came in May 2019 when she won the World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup, becoming the youngest Japanese to claim the major title, with just a one-stroke win. This victory was followed by triumphs at the Shiseido Anessa Ladies Open and the AIG Women’s British Open, making her only the second Japanese player to win a major overseas tournament and the first in 42 years.

Her remarkable year continued with wins at the Descente Ladies Tokai Classic and the Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open, scoring 13 under 216 and 19 under 269, respectively. This feat earned her the second spot in women’s winnings in Japan and the LPGA Mercedes-Benz Player of the Year award. In 2024, Shibuno added to her honors with a runner-up finish at the U.S. Women’s Open, narrowly missing out to her fellow Japanese Yuka Saso. This brings us to the brands that the golfer has attracted with her performance.

Brand Ambassadorship and Sponsors

Shortly after turning professional, the 25-year-old signed a multi-year deal with Ping, securing her equipment and bag sponsorship. This partnership was crucial as she started making her mark on the professional scene. 2023 became a year for major deals in her career. In January 2023, she joined Full Swing Japan as an ambassador, a company known for its high-quality golf simulators. “This time, I signed an ambassador contract with FULL SWING JAPAN. I am very honored to be a member of TEAM FULL SWING, which includes famous players from all over the world, starting with Tiger Woods.” She expressed her excitement about being part of TEAM FULL SWING.

Furthermore, in February, Shibuno signed with global brand Adidas for her apparel and footwear, marking a significant step in enhancing her on-course and off-course presence. Then, in July, a dream-come-true moment arrived as she partnered with Lexus, a luxury car brand.

After she signed with Lexus, Shibuno remarked, “It’s safe to say that working with Lexus has been one of my lifelong dreams. In fact, the first thing I bought with my professional winnings was a Lexus NX! I am looking forward to representing such a world-class luxury brand.” Apart from her professional life she has a nick for snacks and is a social person.

Personal interests and community engagement

Beyond golf, Shibuno is a fan of cheap Japanese snacks, often seen indulging in dagashi during tournaments. She has ventured into commentary for the Japan Rugby League and created a YouTube channel to share her life on the LPGA tour. Since 2022, she has organized the “Hinako Shibuno Cup Okayama Softball Tournament,” giving back to her hometown Okayama and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

Hinako Shibuno’s journey from a softball-loving child in Okayama to a global golfing sensation is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and spirit. Her story continues to inspire fans around the world, proving that, with determination and a smile, anything is possible. As she moves forward, the “Smiling Cinderella” will continue to enchant the golfing world and beyond.

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