Japanese golf star Hinako Shibuno has hit reboot on her desire to take part in the Tokyo Olympics and the U.S. tour, she said in a joint online interview on Monday before the June 25 start of the domestic tour.
Because of the spread of new coronavirus infections, the schedule has been drastically revised, including the Tokyo Games being postponed a full year.
"There is no change in what I'm aiming for. All I can do is move forward," she said.
Shibuno originally planned to start the season in February at a U.S.-tour event to be held in Asia. She visited the United States in March for about two weeks, while tours were suspended domestically and abroad.
Other than that, she practiced mainly in her hometown Okayama. Her thoughts turned positive with all the time to improve her game, working to up her physical strength and better swing.
As a result, last year's British Open champion has put on 3 to 4 kilograms and gained about 10 yards of distance on her drives. She practiced her approach shots -- which she needed to work on -- by hitting 400 to 500 balls a day, wearing out at least five clubs in the process.
Her coach, Sho Aoki, spoke during a similar online interview on Monday about Shibuno's condition 10 days out from the season opener.
"She's at about 20%," he said, "because she is physically bigger and there are aspects of her game that we won't be able to evaluate until she plays."
Making the cut is the clear target the player has set for herself at the opening tournament.
"I'm looking forward to it, but I want to start from scratch, not considering my results from last year," a modest Shibuno said.
She has yet to lock down dates for her schedule over the next 12 months, including whether to participate in major tournaments abroad, but she and her coach have a plan.
"Our focus on the U.S. tour has not wavered," Aoki said.
"The postponement of the Olympics was a shock, but I can still move up the world rankings in a year," said an energetic Shibuno, who is currently ranked No. 12 in the world.
"I don't want to have any regrets."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
