Hinako Shibuno had her choice of sports growing up, before eventually deciding to focus on a career in golf. It’s safe to say it was a good decision, as she’s gone on to build a successful career, including a Major title.
Here are 10 things to know about the LGPA Tour star.
Hinako Shibuno Facts
1. Hinako Shibuno was born on November 15th, 1998 in Okayama, Japan.
2. She comes from a sporting family as her father was a discus thrower and her mother a javelin thrower.
3. She took up golf in second grade, along with softball.
4. Shibuno was also a keen baseball player at school, but ultimately decided to dedicate herself to golf.
5. She turned professional in 2018, initially joining the LPGA of Japan Tour.
6. Her first professional win came at the 2019 World Ladies Champion Salonpas Cup – one of five victories that year.
7. By far the biggest came at the AIG Women’s Open. She beat Lizette Salas by one at Woburn. Not only was it her maiden Major appearance, it was also her first LPGA Tour event, and her first tournament outside Japan.
8. She won $675,000 for her win. Afterwards, when asked what she wanted to buy with the money, she joked: “Enough treats to feed me till I die.”
9. She earned her LPGA Tour card via Q-School in 2022.
10. Shibuno is known for her happy demeanor while playing, earning her the nickname Smiling Cinderella.
Born |
November 15th, 1998 - Okayama, Japan |
Height |
1.67 m (5 ft 5.5in) |
Current Tours |
LPGA of Japan Tour, LPGA Tour |
Professional Wins |
7 |
Tour |
Event |
Winning Score |
LGPA of Japan Tour |
2019 World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup |
-12 (one shot) |
LGPA of Japan Tour |
2019 Shiseido Anessa Ladies Open |
-12 (playoff) |
LPGA Tour |
2019 AIG Women's Open |
-18 (one shot) |
LGPA of Japan Tour |
2019 Descente Ladies Tokai Classic |
-13 (two shots) |
LGPA of Japan Tour |
2019 Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open |
-19 (one shot) |
LGPA of Japan Tour |
2021 Stanley Ladies Golf Tournament |
-10 (playoff) |
LGPA of Japan Tour |
2021 Mitsubishi Electric/Hisako Higuchi Ladies Golf Tournament |
-9 (playoff) |
