Inspirational 2019 win, local tour’s evolution behind rise of female Japanese golfers
The Straits Times
In 2025, there were six different Japanese winners – Rio Takeda, Mao Saigo, Chizzy and her twin Akie, Miyu Yamashita and Nasa Hataoka – the most in a single LPGA Tour season. Read more at straitstimes.com.
SINGAPORE – Chisato Iwai has big dreams and is not afraid to let them be known.
Just as Tiger Woods once drew huge galleries wherever he played, the Japanese golfer, also known as “Chizzy”, hopes to experience the same thing one day – crowds following her, energy building around the course and excited fans cheering: “Yes, Chizzy!”
“When Tiger was playing, it was a great atmosphere for every spectator and that’s what I want – crowds who are excited to see me play,” said the world No. 19 on the sidelines of the Feb 26-March 1 HSBC Women’s World Championship.
“I want to have my own version of that, something special.”
The 23-year-old has already offered a glimpse of her potential, winning in her rookie year on the LPGA Tour with victory at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba in October 2025.
Her ambition is also evident in the new wave of Japanese players, who showcased their talent throughout the 2025 LPGA season.
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