JLPGA player Mone Inami recently emerged victorious at the TOTO Japan Classic, securing a thrilling win by a single stroke. Now, faced with the opportunity to accept immediate membership in the LPGA Tour, the 24-year-old finds herself at a crossroads as she contemplates a pivotal decision that could shape her golf career.
In an impressive display of skill, Inami sealed her triumph with a final-round 69. This accomplishment now presents her with the choice of embracing LPGA Tour membership or delaying it until the following year.
By accepting LPGA membership, Inami would not only claim the esteemed title but also walk away with a $300,000 purse. This achievement would confer 500 points towards the Race to the CME Globe for this season, establishing 2023 as her official rookie season on the LPGA Tour. However, it’s worth noting that she would not receive the Rookie of the Year points for her victory.
On the other hand, Inami may opt to decline the membership offer for this year, transitioning into an LPGA rookie in the subsequent season. While she would still receive the prize money for her win, the points and earnings from the TOTO Japan Classic would not count towards the Race to CME Globe Points or the LPGA Official Money List.
With a deadline looming until midnight on November 5, Inami must weigh her options carefully. Her decision could shape the trajectory of her professional golfing career and potentially elevate her to even greater heights.
Notably, the last non-LPGA member to secure a tournament win before Inami was Rose Zhang, who made history with her LPGA debut victory at the Mizuho Americas Open earlier this year.
During the final round of the TOTO Japan Classic, Inami showcased her prowess with four birdies and a bogey on the par-4 15th, finishing with a solid 3-under. Her performance was strong enough to hold off competitors Seon Woo Bae and Shiho Kuwaki, who both finished at 21-under. Jiyai Shin and Xiyu Lin rounded out the top five, finishing at 20-under.
Inami boasts an impressive track record with 13 JLPGA victories, making this her first win of the season and seventh top-10 finish. When reflecting on her triumph, she expressed confidence in her ability to perform on the global stage. She remarked, “I don’t feel a big difference between Japan LPGA victory and USA victory. I got a chance to have a new world coming in front of me. That kind of sense I can feel.”
Inami remained tight-lipped about her intended course of action with regards to LPGA membership. She stated, “I am very happy to get an option that I can play not only on the Japan Tour but also on the US tour now. I will discuss with my team to make a final decision on whether we will take this option or not.”
If Inami chooses to accept LPGA membership, she would join the distinguished ranks of 13 first-time winners this season. Meanwhile, Rose Zhang continues to make waves, impressing spectators once again with her strong performance. After three consecutive rounds in the 60s, Zhang concluded the tournament with a final-round 70, securing a tie for 15th place. She emerged as the highest-finishing American among a field prominently featuring talented young Japanese players.
As the golf world eagerly awaits Inami’s decision, speculation is rife about what lies ahead. If she decides against LPGA membership, golf enthusiasts will be eager to witness whether she can replicate Zhang’s remarkable rookie season in 2024.
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