What Is 2009 LPGA of Japan Tour

Overview

The 2009 LPGA of Japan Tour was a pivotal season in the history of women's professional golf in Japan, marking the 42nd year of the league's operation. Organized by the Japan Ladies Professional Golfers' Association, the tour featured a competitive schedule of official events across the country, drawing top domestic and international talent.

This season highlighted the growing strength of Japanese women in golf, with increasing prize money and media attention. International stars like South Korea’s Jiyai Shin competed alongside homegrown players, raising the level of competition and visibility for the sport.

• 38 official tournaments were held between March and November, making it one of the most active seasons in the tour’s history.
• Yukari Baba claimed the money title with ¥139.7 million in earnings, the highest among all players.
• Jiyai Shin topped the Order of Merit rankings with 1,568 points, showcasing consistent performance across events.
• The season opened on March 21, 2009 with the Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open at Karuizawa Golf Club in Nagano Prefecture.
• The tour concluded on November 29, 2009 with the Japan LPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup, a season-ending event with a ¥100 million first prize.

How It Works

The LPGA of Japan Tour operates under a structured season-long points and earnings system to determine rankings, awards, and qualification for international events. Players earn money and points based on their finishes in each tournament, contributing to multiple seasonal honors.

• Money List: The player with the highest total earnings at season’s end wins the money title—Yukari Baba earned ¥139.7 million in 2009.
• Order of Merit: Based on points awarded per finish, Jiyai Shin led with 1,568 points, securing the top ranking.
• Player Eligibility: Membership includes Japanese nationals and select international players who meet qualification criteria set by the JLPGA.
• Tournament Structure: Events are typically 54-hole stroke play competitions, with cuts after 36 holes reducing the field.
• Prize Pools: Individual events offered average purses of ¥80 million, with the season finale exceeding ¥100 million.
• Rookie of the Year: The honor went to Shiho Oyama, who finished in the top 10 in multiple events during her debut season.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2009 LPGA of Japan Tour compared to other major women’s tours in key metrics:

The data shows that while the LPGA of Japan Tour had the highest number of events in 2009, its prize money was competitive but slightly below the U.S. LPGA. The tour’s extended season and strong domestic support contributed to its prominence in Asia.

Why It Matters

The 2009 season was a landmark year that underscored the global reach of women’s golf and Japan’s role in developing world-class talent. It also reflected broader trends in sports sponsorship, media coverage, and athlete development in Asia.

• The tour helped elevate Japanese golfers like Ai Miyazato, who went on to achieve international success.
• Increased prize money signaled growing corporate investment, particularly from Japanese brands like Daio Paper and Ricoh.
• The season provided wildcard entries to international events, boosting global exposure for JLPGA members.
• Strong television ratings in Japan demonstrated rising public interest in women’s sports.
• The JLPGA’s player development programs benefited from the tour’s visibility and revenue.
• Success in 2009 laid the groundwork for future co-sanctioned events with other international tours.

Ultimately, the 2009 LPGA of Japan Tour was more than a series of tournaments—it was a catalyst for long-term growth in women’s golf, both nationally and internationally.