Miyu Yamashita Chases Another LPGA Win After Blazing Start In Japan

Miyu Yamashita isn't showing any signs of slowing down, and the rest of the LPGA Tour might have a serious problem on its hands.

Fresh off another victory in Malaysia, the Japanese star opened Thursday's Toto Japan Classic with a bogey-free, 6-under 66, moving into a three-way tie for the lead at Taiheiyo Club Minori Course in Omitama, Japan.

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Yamashita shares the top spot with fellow Japanese players Aki Iwai and Sayaka Takahashi, setting up what could become an entertaining weekend between three players enjoying excellent seasons.

But there's little question which player brings the most momentum into the tournament.

The 25-year-old Yamashita, ranked fourth in the world, is chasing her fourth LPGA Tour victory of 2026 after capturing last week's Maybank Championship in Malaysia.

Her opening round in Japan was another example of the precision that has made her one of women's golf's most consistent performers.

Yamashita hit 17 of 18 greens in regulation, needed only 29 putts and finished with consecutive birdies to join the leaders.

Those numbers reflect the kind of ball-striking that can make a player extremely difficult to beat, particularly when she's already playing with confidence.

Yamashita's success hasn't been limited to the LPGA Tour, either. She's collected five professional victories across three tours this season, including the Sony JLPGA Championship and the Aramco Championship in South Korea.

The 2025 AIG Women's Open champion is building an increasingly impressive international résumé.

Still, she shouldn't expect an easy weekend.

Iwai, who finished second at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and third at the Amundi Evian Championship this season, matched Yamashita's 66 after an impressive back-nine surge.

Takahashi, a two-time winner on Japan's JLPGA Tour this year, also fired a 66 and will have plenty of support from the home crowd.

Just one shot behind the leaders are Minami Hiruta, Fuka Suga and Thailand's Pajaree Anannarukarn, who each opened with 67.

Defending champion Nasa Hataoka sits two strokes back following a 68.

Meanwhile, world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul faces an uphill battle after opening with a 2-over 74 that included five bogeys.

With 54 holes remaining, the leaderboard is crowded enough that nobody can afford a mistake.

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But Yamashita has already demonstrated she knows how to finish tournaments.

And after another impressive opening round, the biggest question may be whether anyone can stop her from winning again.