The LPGA Tour’s 2023 TOTO Japan Classic Championship result has shaken the entirety of the golf world to its core. The championship saw the likes of big LPGA Tour players like Rose Zhang. However, none of these highly accredited players walked home with the trophy of this $2 million LPGA event.

To the surprise of golf fans, the winner of this prestigious event was the Japanese LPGA Tour sensation, Mone Inami. She not only won her first-ever LPGA title, but also brought glory to her home country. Let’s know more.

Rose Zhang and her disappointment shocks the golf world

Adding to her already heavy burden of disappointments owing to a winless drought since her last victory, Rose Zhang’s recent result at the 2023 TOTO Japan Classic Championship brought her a new heartbreaking loss. The LPGA sensation finished tied for the 15th position at the Taiheiyo Club Minori Course. This added insult to injury of not winning after her last triumph at the Mizuho Americas Open.

However, Zhang’s recent disappointment is someone’s newfound happiness. Mone Inami, a famous Japanese professional golfer won the 2023 TOTO Japan Classic Championship and added another feather to her cap. This was her first LPGA win, which means she is now also eligible for the highly-desired LPGA membership.

In an interview, Mone Inami was asked about the difference she feels between the Japan LPGA Tour and the USA LPGA Tour. She said, “I don’t feel there is a big difference between Japan LPGA Victory and USA LPGA Victory. I got the chance to see a new world in front of me…I am very happy about the opportunity…need to speak to the staff around me to make a final decision.”

Mone Inami’s happiness could be felt through her words. After achieving such a huge victory, it is only expected of the Japanese golf star to brim with happiness. The 2023 TOTO Japan Classic Championship was truly a game-changer for Inami.

2023 TOTO Japan Classic Championship winners

The enchanting 2023 TOTO Japan Classic Championship saw many interesting twists and turns this year round. The event had a prize purse of a whopping $2 million. Out of this big budget, Mone Inami has won the winner’s payout of a massive $300,000.

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Followed by Inami are Seon Woo Bae and Shiho Kuwaki, who are tied for the second position. They have received a total of $157,478 each. Up next are Jiyai Shin and Xiyu Lin, with a total prize money share of $92,443 each.

Meanwhile, Mone Inami has now cleared the eligibility criterion for the LPGA membership. Only time will tell what her next move will be.

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