Hinako Shibuno, the player known as the Smiling Cinderella who won the 2019 AIG Women’s British Open, came into the KPMG Women’s PGA ranked No. 31 in the world, the fourth-highest ranked Japanese player behind Nasa Hataoka (11), Mone Inami (25) and Ayaka Furue (28).
A strong finish at the year’s third major could’ve vaulted Shibuno into that second spot. Countries can send up to two players when ranked outside the top 15.
After Shibuno’s caddie tested positive for COVID-19 in a pre-travel test on Friday, she picked up a local looper for the third round. Her manager and trainer were unable to accompany her on the course on Saturday due to COVID protocols.
On the par-3 17th, Shibuno, doing her own yardages due to the language barrier, grossly miscalculated and hit four shots into the water, recording a 10 with a one-putt. She finished with a 76 and broke down in a heap of sobs after the round, knowing that her Olympic chances were somewhere at the bottom of that penalty area.
“I was very devastated,” Shibuno toId Japanese reporters after the round. “I did not realize my miscalculation from the drop area until I got on the green, but I am proud of myself that I could re-focus from 18th until the end.”
Shibuno had to get tested for COVID-19 before every round and on Sunday, only had time for a 30-minute warm-up before heading to the tee.
She came back with a flourish, recording four birdies in the first six holes and was proud to get revenge on the 17th with a par. Shibuno shot 67 on Sunday to finish in 40th place. She remained No. 31 in the Rolex Rankings, four places behind Inami. Furue sits at No. 29.
“When the Olympics had been postponed,” said Shibuno, “my goal changed to playing the LPGA tour rather than the Olympics.
“I am still very disappointed not to play there, but I did my best and I wish Nasa, and Mr. Matsuyama and Hoshino all the best and looking forward to watching them on TV.”
Shibuno turned down the LPGA exemption that came with winning a major in 2019. After the KPMG, she headed back to Japan for three tournaments on the JLPGA and will then travel to Scotland for the AIG Women’s British Open.
In November, she’ll head to Alabama to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail for LPGA Q-Series in an effort to earn her card for a second time.
from Golfweek https://ift.tt/3y8MrTc