Professional Golfer Hana Wakimoto Achieves First JLPGA Victory with NEXYZ Group Support

Hana Wakimoto's First JLPGA Victory

In a stunning display of talent and determination, Hana Wakimoto, a rising star on the JLPGA Tour, achieved her first-ever victory at the prestigious Itoen Ladies Golf Tournament held from November 14 to 16, 2025, at the Great Island Club in Chiba Prefecture. Supported by NEXYZ Group, this win marks a significant milestone in her professional golf career.

Hailing from Miyazaki Prefecture, Wakimoto has shown exceptional skill since her early days in golf. She earned second place in the Kyushu Junior High School Golf Championship and later attended Miyazaki Nippon University High School, where she showcased her prowess by finishing fourth in the Kyushu Junior Golf Championship in 2015. Her journey as a professional golfer began in 2018 when she joined the LPGA as a member of the 90th class.

In 2022, she claimed victory at the Step-Up Tour event, the Hanasakare Ladies Yanmar, but faced tough competition from her peers who consistently claimed victories on the tour. Despite coming close on several occasions, such as finishing sixth at the Miyazaki Ai Suntory Ladies in 2023 and fifth at the KKT Cup Bantein Ladies in 2024, she had yet to secure a win until now.

Wakimoto's resilience was put to the test as she faced an upcoming surgery for a herniated disc in December. Yet, she powered through the challenges and achieved her long-desired goal of winning her first tour match in her eighth professional season. This victory not only fulfills a personal dream but also earns her a spot in the JLPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup, a major tournament limited to season winners and top-ranked players, to be held in her hometown of Miyazaki.

NEXYZ Group, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, prior to this triumph, established a sponsorship contract in August 2024, pledging ongoing support for Wakimoto's endeavors. This partnership aligns with the company's commitment to deepen connections with local communities and nurture the next generation with dreams and ambitions through professional sports. NEXYZ Group aims to bolster both athletes and the sporting industry, contributing to a brighter future.