The final showdown in Hawaii at the end of the season will be a crucial moment for the Japanese teams! The “Lotte Championship” will be broadcast live every day on WOWOW, with live coverage from a “camera dedicated to Japanese players”!
WOWOW Co., Ltd. Press release: October 1, 2025 To Members of the Press The final battle of the season in Hawaii will be a crucial moment for each of the Japanese players! The “Lotte Championship” will be broadcast live every day on WOWOW, with live coverage from a “camera dedicated to Japanese players”! October 2nd (Thu) 8:00 AM – [WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand], “Camera Exclusively for Japanese Players” October 2nd (Thu) 2:15 AM – [WOWOW On Demand] The tournament, which began in 2012, is set in the ever-summer paradise of Oahu, Hawaii. The venue is a luxury course that opened in 2009 and was the first course designed by Ernie Els in Hawaii. It’s a scenic course where you can enjoy a round while soaking up the beauty of Oahu. However, contrary to the scenery, there are over 100 bunkers and holes involving water, making it extremely challenging to navigate. The four-day tournament starts on Wednesday local time. Japan, which has been showing remarkable success, is set to compete with 11 players, including this season’s winners, Yamashita Miyu, Takeda Reo, and the Iwai sisters Akemi and Chirei, as well as Baba Saki and Yoshida Yuri, who are aiming to compete in the tour’s final tournament, and Shibuno Hinako and Nishimura Yuna, who are in contention for next season’s
tournament. WOWOW, which will be broadcasting and streaming the tournament live every day, conducted a pre-event interview. ■Miyu Yamashita
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1355/8453/1355-8453-d7875a4b831b41c39fffb25275b49448-2109×1406.jpg Getty Images Q. Unfortunately, last week’s tournament was canceled. How did you spend the week after that? “I went back to Japan once and was able to go back to my home in Kumamoto for the first time in a while, so it was really fun.” Q. What is your overall impression of this week’s course in Hawaii? “The wind blows, and although the course is flat, there is a pond. The wind also had a significant effect on today’s pro-am, so I want to keep that in mind as I play.” Q. I think the wind from the side can also have an effect on some holes. Do you have any strategies in mind? “When there’s a crosswind, the ball gets carried away, so it’s important to visualize that and find a strategy that suits the hole.” Q. What do you think are the key points to finishing in the top ranks this week? “First of all, I want to make sure I’m hitting the ball on the fairway, make sure I get a good par, and play consistently.” Q. I expect a lot of Japanese fans will be coming to support you this week. Please tell us about your enthusiasm. “I will focus on my own game this week and do my best to play well.” ■ Chirei Iwai
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1355/8453/1355-8453-b593fd4263e4f7d4acc68f5fc1f5b20d-3900×2600.jpg Getty Images Q. You’re finally in Hawaii. How are you feeling? “I arrived a little early, but I was able to surf, eat some delicious food, and feel refreshed before the competition.” Q. How was the surfing? “It was so much fun. To be honest, I’d love to do it one more time and then go home, but I have a match coming up, so I want to focus on that.” Q. What is your overall impression of the course? “It’s flat, but the wind can be strong at times. Also, the greens have a Korean feel, and the parts that don’t stay still seem really difficult.” Q. Speaking of Hawaii, it’s a battle against this particular wind. How do you feel about that? “I guess it’s best to place it on the fairway. The rough is a bit unique, and there are lies where the ball gets tangled or flies too far, so I think it’s best to make sure you place it on the fairway and hit it cleanly on the second shot.” Q. I expect many Japanese customers will be coming to Hawaii. Please tell us your enthusiasm for this week. “I’m looking forward to meeting the Japanese people, and I’ll do my best to cheer everyone up with my good play.” ■Nasa Hataoka
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1355/8453/1355-8453-3524565b771706f80e6c431c6b62cb92-1452×969.jpg Getty Images Q. You’re finally in Hawaii. How does it feel to be back? “It feels a bit like Japan, and the course is quite windy, so it’s a bit difficult, but I think I’ll be able to approach the tournament with a relaxed attitude.” Q. Last week’s tournament was canceled, but how did you spend your week off after that? “I went to Dallas to practice a little and also had the opportunity to play a round with senior golfer Hiroyuki Fujita, so I had a really good week.” Q. Please tell us if there were any areas you adjusted or practiced in preparation for this week. “My shots and putting are really good, so I checked with my coach to see how they were. My approach shots around the green were an issue, so I focused on practicing those.” Q. I think the winds unique to Hawaii will be a key factor this week. How do you feel about that? “I won’t be changing my club settings, but if I make a full swing, the ball will tend to fly up in headwinds, so I’d like to be able to attack with controlled shots to avoid that.” Q. Finally, I’m sure there are many Japanese fans here. Please tell us about your enthusiasm. “There are a lot of Japanese people in Hawaii, so I’ll play well and do my best to liven up the atmosphere.” ■Minami Katsu
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1355/8453/1355-8453-3682dc85329c3e862ac236e6ae52b549-1660×1106.jpg Getty Images Q. You’re finally in Hawaii. Please tell us your impressions again. “It’s so relaxing. The cityscape is so beautiful, and it feels like time passes so slowly, so I can relax even after returning to the hotel.” Q. You played very good golf last week (at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship), and the tournament was canceled, but how did you feel and what did you think? “I usually have a hard time getting going on the first day, and even when I shoot under par, my scores are usually 2 or 3 under. So I thought I got off to a good start in Arkansas with an 8-under par, and that gave me a lot of confidence.” Q. You then had a week off. How did you spend it? “I went to LA and trained hard for a week, and did what I wanted to do, and time just flew by.” Q. What do you think are the key points of this course? “The wind is pretty strong, and I think the greens are a little firm this week. I feel like the ball isn’t stopping on holes where it usually does, so I’ll have to be careful about that.” Q. Finally, I think there will be a lot of Japanese customers this week. Please tell us about your enthusiasm. “This is my third year, but I’ve been eliminated in the qualifying rounds both years, so my first goal is to get through the qualifying rounds. If I can get a high score from the first day of qualifying, I think I’ll be able to get into a good rhythm, so that’s what I’d like to aim for.” ■Yuka Sasao Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1355/8453/1355-8453-0440bdcf3f7ffb27e48303b9a5bc8688-2373×1582.jpg Getty Images Q. You’re finally in Hawaii. First of all, how do you feel about returning to Hawaii after such a long time? “Nothing has changed, so I’m looking forward to it.” Q. Speaking of Hawaii, the weather is nice, and the wind can get a little strong at times. How do you feel about that? “Today is the pro-am, and I practiced yesterday, but the wind is strong, as is typical in Hawaii.” Q. You had a week off last week. How did you spend it? “I was able to get plenty of rest. Since the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship was a short match, I returned to Dallas early to rest and practice a bit.” Q. What do you think will be important about this week’s course? “I think it’s going to be important to get good shots.” Q. There seems to be a really good atmosphere this week. Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm. “I hope I can enjoy playing golf.” ■Hinako Shibuno
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1355/8453/1355-8453-c4af0ae144b541e5b4e0675df28e050d-2675×1783.jpg Getty Images Q. Last week ended on an unusual note, but how did you spend the week after? “It was the weather, so there was nothing I could do about it, but I was disappointed because I had played good golf all day. But I was able to approach my week off with a very positive attitude, and even though I went back to Japan for a short break, I was able to practice golf quite well, so I think it was a good off week.” Q. When it comes to Hawaii, the wind is a key point. How do you feel about that? “My impression of Hoakalei is that the wind is strong every year, and I practice in strong winds even during practice rounds, so I don’t know what will happen during the tournament, but I’d like to become friends with the wind.” Q. How have you been feeling since the start of this week? “I don’t think I’m doing too badly, so I hope I can keep this positive feeling going into the match.” Q. It feels like the final stages are fast approaching. What do you want to focus on? “It’s not just the end of the game, it’s the very end, so I feel very lonely, and I’m in a pretty tough spot, but I hope I can enjoy these moments a little while I play the game.” Q. I think a lot of Japanese fans will be coming to Hawaii. Finally, please tell us your enthusiasm for this week. “I’ll fight hard for all four days and do my best to play well in front of everyone so I can finish in the top ranks.” ■Saki Baba
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1355/8453/1355-8453-918569105f756249e1a5054a2bc32bd1-3900×2600.jpg Getty Images Q. Last week’s results were disappointing (the tournament was canceled), but how did you spend your week off? “It was the first time I’d had a match canceled like that, so I was really surprised. But after returning to Japan, I’ve been resting and practicing hard, so I’ll do my best to get good results this week.” Q. What adjustments have you made in preparation for this week? “I changed my club and they adjusted it so I could hit at my own timing, so I’m hoping I can swing it fully.” Q. How are you feeling and feeling since coming in this week? “It doesn’t feel that bad, so I hope I can do that in the tournament.” Q. What is your overall impression of the Hawaii course? “It’s difficult because there are a lot of ponds and the grass on the greens feels different from the course.Also, there were a lot of places where the rough was quite difficult to hit, so I think it’s a matter of paying attention to how you hit.” Q. I think there will be a lot of Japanese customers coming to Hawaii, so please tell us about your enthusiasm. “This week I will do my best to show everyone in the gallery a good play.” ■西村優菜
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/1355/8453/1355-8453-e8cace5ed9e41b3fe66d5320c6af4526-2353×1569.jpg Getty Images Q. The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship was canceled, but how did you spend the week after? “It was very disappointing, but I thought it was for the best because of the weather, so I headed back to Japan right after the event.It was only a short stay, but I refreshed myself in Japan and went to Hawaii.” Q. Please let us know if there are any preparations or adjustments you made for this week. “I haven’t changed anything about the club, but I’ve been doing a lot of different practice, like hitting the ball low and practicing shots that curve to the right and curve to the left.” Q.What do you think are the key points to move to the top? “I think it’s important how you face the wind, but I really like playing in the wind, so I hope I can have fun while doing it.” Q. How are you feeling since the beginning of this week? “The feel of the shot is also very good, so I think I’m able to adjust it well.” Q. I believe there are many Japanese customers in Hawaii, so please tell us your enthusiasm for this week. “I’m really looking forward to playing in a much livelier atmosphere than usual, and I hope I can have fun and do my best this week.” ◆◆◆◆◆ [WOWOW LPGA broadcast/distribution schedule] ◆◆◆◆◆ “Lotte Championship” ◆Broadcast/distribution information 10/2 (Thursday) 8:00 am ~ [WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand] 10/3 (Friday) 8:00 am ~ [WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand] 10/4 (Sat) 8:00 am ~ [WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand] 10/5 (Sat) 8:00 am ~ [WOWOW Live] [WOWOW On Demand] “Camera exclusively for Japanese players” October 2nd (Thursday) 2:15am ~ [WOWOW On Demand] *The subsequent distribution time will be announced on WOWOW On Demand, official SNS, etc. after the pairing is announced the next day. ◆Held courses Hoakalei CC, Hawaii, USA ◆Notable players Miyu Yamashita, Reo Takeda, Akira Iwai, Chirei Iwai, Nasa Hataoka, Minami Katsu, Yuka Sasao, Hinako Shibuno, Yuri Yoshida, Saki Baba, Yuna Nishimura, Nelly Korda, Hyo Joo Kim, Hye Ran Yoo, Megan Kang, Brooke Henderson, Stacey Lewis [WOWOW LPGA program official site] https://www.wowow.co.jp/sports/lpga/ [WOWOW On Demand]
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