Hisako Higuchi
Encyclopedia
is a Japan
ese professional golf
er.
Higuchi won the LPGA Championship
on 12 June 1977, making her the first Asian-born player to win a major championship for either men or women. (No Asian-born player would win a men's major
until Yang Yong-eun
won the 2009 PGA Championship
.) She remains the only Japanese woman to win an LPGA major championship
. Alongside Ayako Okamoto
, she dominated the 1970s and 1980s in Japanese women's golf.
Higuchi studied golf from Torakichi Nakamura
, a member of Japan's winning team at the 1957 World Cup of Golf
. She turned pro in 1967 and went on to win 69 titles on the LPGA of Japan Tour
. She was 31 when she won her LPGA Championship
.
Higuchi became President of the LPGA of Japan Tour
in 1996. In 2003, she became the first Japanese golfer to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame
. She was soon to be followed by Isao Aoki
(2004), Okamoto (2005), and Masashi Ozaki
(2011).
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese professional golf
Golf
Golf is a precision club and ball sport, in which competing players use many types of clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a golf course using the fewest number of strokes....
er.
Higuchi won the LPGA Championship
LPGA Championship
The LPGA Championship, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Wegmans LPGA Championship, is the second-longest running tournament in the history of the Ladies Professional Golf Association surpassed only by the U.S. Women's Open. It is one of four majors on the LPGA tour...
on 12 June 1977, making her the first Asian-born player to win a major championship for either men or women. (No Asian-born player would win a men's major
Men's major golf championships
The men's major golf championships, commonly known as the Major Championships, and often referred to simply as the majors, are the four most prestigious annual tournaments in professional golf...
until Yang Yong-eun
Yang Yong-eun
Yang Yong-eun , or Y. E. Yang, is a South Korean professional golfer currently playing on the PGA Tour, where he has won twice, including most notably the 2009 PGA Championship where he held off the challenge of Tiger Woods during the final round....
won the 2009 PGA Championship
2009 PGA Championship
The 2009 PGA Championship was the 91st PGA Championship and was played from August 13–16 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. Prior to 2009 the last major played at Hazeltine was the 2002 PGA Championship, won by Rich Beem. The 2009 course is notable for having a greater length...
.) She remains the only Japanese woman to win an LPGA major championship
Women's major golf championships
Women's golf has a set of major championships which parallels that in men's golf, but the women's system is younger and has been less stable than the men's. Many professional stroke play events for women are played over three rounds , but the majors are played over four rounds , which is the...
. Alongside Ayako Okamoto
Ayako Okamoto
is a Japanese professional golfer. She won 62 tournaments internationally, including 17 on the American LPGA Tour. She is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.-Early career:...
, she dominated the 1970s and 1980s in Japanese women's golf.
Higuchi studied golf from Torakichi Nakamura
Torakichi Nakamura
was a Japanese golfer whose victory, with partner Koichi Ono, at the 1957 Canada Cup outside Tokyo helped to spur a boom in golf in Japan.Nakamura, also known as "Pete", "Tora-san," and "the Putting God", was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture and became a caddy at the age of 14. He became a...
, a member of Japan's winning team at the 1957 World Cup of Golf
WGC-World Cup
The World Cup is a men's golf tournament contested by teams of two representing their country. Only one team is allowed from each country. The players are selected on the basis of the Official World Golf Ranking, although not all of the first choice players choose to compete...
. She turned pro in 1967 and went on to win 69 titles on the LPGA of Japan Tour
LPGA of Japan Tour
The Japan LPGA Tour is a professional golf tour for women organised by the Ladies Professional Golfers' Association of Japan. It is the second richest women's golf tour in the world. The U.S.-based LPGA Tour is the most important women's tour, but the prize money gap has closed markedly since the...
. She was 31 when she won her LPGA Championship
LPGA Championship
The LPGA Championship, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Wegmans LPGA Championship, is the second-longest running tournament in the history of the Ladies Professional Golf Association surpassed only by the U.S. Women's Open. It is one of four majors on the LPGA tour...
.
Higuchi became President of the LPGA of Japan Tour
LPGA of Japan Tour
The Japan LPGA Tour is a professional golf tour for women organised by the Ladies Professional Golfers' Association of Japan. It is the second richest women's golf tour in the world. The U.S.-based LPGA Tour is the most important women's tour, but the prize money gap has closed markedly since the...
in 1996. In 2003, she became the first Japanese golfer to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame
World Golf Hall of Fame
The World Golf Hall of Fame is located at World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida, in the United States, and it is unusual among sports halls of fame in that a single site serves both men and women. It is supported by a consortium of 26 golf organizations from all over the world.The Hall of...
. She was soon to be followed by Isao Aoki
Isao Aoki
is one of Japan's most successful golfers. He was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004.Aoki was born in Abiko, Chiba, Japan. He was introduced to golf while caddying at the Abiko Golf Club as a schoolboy. He turned professional in 1964...
(2004), Okamoto (2005), and Masashi Ozaki
Masashi Ozaki
is a Japanese professional golfer. Ozaki is often known as Jumbo Ozaki on account of his height and length off the tee. He featured in the top ten of the Official World Golf Rankings for almost 200 weeks between 1989 and 1998...
(2011).
LPGA of Japan Tour (69)
- 1968 (2) Japan Women's OpenJapan Women's Open Golf ChampionshipThe is Japan's national women's open golf championship. From 2006 it is one of the two richest tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with a prize fund of 140 million Yen.Tournament names through the years:*1968-1970: TBS Women's Open...
, Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open... - 1969 (2) Japan Women's OpenJapan Women's Open Golf ChampionshipThe is Japan's national women's open golf championship. From 2006 it is one of the two richest tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with a prize fund of 140 million Yen.Tournament names through the years:*1968-1970: TBS Women's Open...
, Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open... - 1970 (3) Japan Women's OpenJapan Women's Open Golf ChampionshipThe is Japan's national women's open golf championship. From 2006 it is one of the two richest tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with a prize fund of 140 million Yen.Tournament names through the years:*1968-1970: TBS Women's Open...
, Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open...
, JGP Ladies Open - 1971 (4) Japan Women's OpenJapan Women's Open Golf ChampionshipThe is Japan's national women's open golf championship. From 2006 it is one of the two richest tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with a prize fund of 140 million Yen.Tournament names through the years:*1968-1970: TBS Women's Open...
, Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open...
, JGP Ladies Open, Tokai Classic - 1972 (5) Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open...
, JPGA Asahi Kokusai Tournament, JGP Ladies Open, Tokai Classic, Mizuno Golf Tournament - 1973 (7) Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open...
, World Ladies Golf TournamentWorld Ladies Championship Salonpas CupThe World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup is one of the four major golf tournaments for women on the LPGA of Japan Tour. It was founded in 1973 by Nippon Television and has been classified as a major since 2008...
, JGP Ladies Open, La Coste Cup Japan vs. U.S., Matsushima Ladies Open, Tokai Classic, Mizuno Golf Tournament - 1974 (8) Japan Women's OpenJapan Women's Open Golf ChampionshipThe is Japan's national women's open golf championship. From 2006 it is one of the two richest tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with a prize fund of 140 million Yen.Tournament names through the years:*1968-1970: TBS Women's Open...
, Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open...
, World Ladies Golf Tournament, LPGA Japan Classic, Chikuma Kogen Ladies Open, Tokyo Charity Classic, Sunster Ladies Match, Mizuno Golf Tournament - 1975 (1) Tokai Classic
- 1976 (5) Japan Women's OpenJapan Women's Open Golf ChampionshipThe is Japan's national women's open golf championship. From 2006 it is one of the two richest tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with a prize fund of 140 million Yen.Tournament names through the years:*1968-1970: TBS Women's Open...
, Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open...
, Sanpo Champions, Miyagi TV Cup Ladies Open Golf Tournament, Tokai Classic - 1977 (3) Japan Women's OpenJapan Women's Open Golf ChampionshipThe is Japan's national women's open golf championship. From 2006 it is one of the two richest tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with a prize fund of 140 million Yen.Tournament names through the years:*1968-1970: TBS Women's Open...
, Japan LPGA ChampionshipJapan LPGA Championship, is the first-longest running tournament in the history of the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association. surpassed only by Japan Women's Open...
, Tokai Classic - 1978 (3) Junon Ladies Open, Shinkoh Classic LPGA Tournament, Japan LPGA East vs. West
- 1979 (5) Fuji Heigen Ladies Open, Shinkoh Classic LPGA Tournament, Japan LPGA East vs. West, Hokuriku Queens Golf Cup, Toyotomi Ladies
- 1980 (3) Japan Women's OpenJapan Women's Open Golf ChampionshipThe is Japan's national women's open golf championship. From 2006 it is one of the two richest tournaments on the LPGA of Japan Tour, with a prize fund of 140 million Yen.Tournament names through the years:*1968-1970: TBS Women's Open...
, KBS Kyoto Ladies Golf Tournament, Tokai Classic - 1981 (3) Okinawa Makiminato Auto Ladies Tournament, Tokushima Tsukinomiya Ladies Open Golf Tournament, Pioneer Cup
- 1982 (2) Hokuriku Queens Golf Cup, Kumamoto Chuou Ladies Cup Golf Tournament
- 1983 (5) IDC Otsuka LadiesIDC Otsuka LadiesThe IDC Otsuka Ladies, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Hisako Higuchi IDC Otsuka Ladies is an annual golf tournament for professional female golfers on LPGA of Japan Tour. It is usually played in October and in recent years at the Musashigaoka Golf Course, Hannō, Saitama...
, Paris Ladies Classic, Japan LPGA East vs. West, LPGA Japan vs. U.S., Daioh Seishi Elleair Ladies Open Golf Tournament - 1984 (2) Kumamoto Chuou Ladies Cup Golf Tournament, IDC Otsuka LadiesIDC Otsuka LadiesThe IDC Otsuka Ladies, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Hisako Higuchi IDC Otsuka Ladies is an annual golf tournament for professional female golfers on LPGA of Japan Tour. It is usually played in October and in recent years at the Musashigaoka Golf Course, Hannō, Saitama...
- 1985 (1) Chukyo TV-Bridgestone Ladies Open
- 1986 (2) Fujitsu LadiesFujitsu LadiesThe Fujitsu Ladies is an annual golf tournament for professional female golfers on LPGA of Japan Tour. It is generally played in October and in recent years at the Tokyu Seven Hundred Club, Chiba, Chiba...
, Tsumura-Itsuki Classic - 1987 (1) Yamaha Cup Ladies Open
- 1990 (2) an Queens, Kohsaido Asahi Golf Cup
LPGA Tour wins (2)
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning Score | Margin of Victory | Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 Aug 1976 1976 LPGA Tour The 1976 LPGA Tour was the 27th season since the LPGA Tour officially began in 1950. The season ran from January 30 to November 27. The season consisted of 31 official money events. Judy Rankin won the most tournaments, six... |
Colgate European Open Colgate European Open The Colgate European Open was a golf tournament on the LPGA Tour from 1974 to 1979. It was an unofficial event in 1974 and 1975. It was played at the Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, England.-Winners:Colgate European Open*1979 Nancy Lopez... |
6 strokes |  Sandra PalmerSandra Palmer Sandra Palmer is an American professional golfer.Palmer was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She attended North Texas State University where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen.... , Kathy WhitworthKathy Whitworth Kathy Whitworth is an American professional golfer. Throughout her playing career she won 88 LPGA Tour tournaments, more than anyone else has won on either the LPGA Tour or the PGA Tour. In 1981 she became the first woman to reach career earnings of $1 million on the LPGA Tour... |
|
| 2 | 12 Jun 1977 1977 LPGA Tour The 1977 LPGA Tour was the 28th season since the LPGA Tour officially began in 1950. The season ran from February 11 to November 13. The season consisted of 32 official money events. Debbie Austin and Judy Rankin won the most tournaments, five each... |
LPGA Championship LPGA Championship The LPGA Championship, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Wegmans LPGA Championship, is the second-longest running tournament in the history of the Ladies Professional Golf Association surpassed only by the U.S. Women's Open. It is one of four majors on the LPGA tour... |
3 strokes | Pat Bradley,  Sandra PostSandra Post Sandra Post, CM is a Canadian professional golfer. She was the first Canadian to play on the LPGA Tour.-Early years, junior and amateur golf:... , Judy RankinJudy Rankin Judy Torluemke Rankin is an American professional golfer and golf broadcaster. She became a member of the LPGA Tour in 1962 and won 26 LPGA Tour events in all. She is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.-Amateur career:... |
Other wins
this list may be incomplete- 1974 Wills Australian Ladies Open
- 1983 Sports Nippon Team Match
Wins (1)
| Year | Championship | Winning Score | Margin | Runners-up |
|---|---|
| 1977 1977 LPGA Championship The 1977 LPGA Championship was played at Bay Tree Golf Plantation in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This was the 23rd edition of the LPGA Championship and was played from June 9-12.This championship was won by Chako Higuchi.-Final leaderboard:... |
LPGA Championship LPGA Championship The LPGA Championship, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Wegmans LPGA Championship, is the second-longest running tournament in the history of the Ladies Professional Golf Association surpassed only by the U.S. Women's Open. It is one of four majors on the LPGA tour... |
| 3 strokes | Pat Bradley, Sandra Post Sandra Post Sandra Post, CM is a Canadian professional golfer. She was the first Canadian to play on the LPGA Tour.-Early years, junior and amateur golf:... , Judy RankinJudy Rankin Judy Torluemke Rankin is an American professional golfer and golf broadcaster. She became a member of the LPGA Tour in 1962 and won 26 LPGA Tour events in all. She is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.-Amateur career:... |