In first-ever LPGA start, Japanese rookie Shibuno leads Women’s British Open

Hinako Shibuno sure knows how to make an entrance. The 20-year-old, who has been playing her rookie year on the Japan LPGA Tour, is making her LPGA Tour and major championship debut this week at the Women’s British Open at Woburn Golf Club. And now she’s in the lead.

Shibuno began Saturday’s round three shots back of 36-hole leader Ashleigh Buhai, a 30-year-old South African who has never won on Tour. Buhai extended her lead over Shibuno to five shots at the turn. But then Shibuno seemed to flip a switch, torching the back nine at Woburn for a 6-under 30 to seize a two-shot lead heading to the final round.

Shibuno’s 5-under 67 got her to 14-under for the week, two shots clear of Buhai, who posted even-par 72. World No. 2 S.H. Park is one shot further back at 11-under. A trio of Morgan Pressel, Jin Young Ko and Lizette Salas share fourth place at 10-under.

It’s hard to overstate just how new this all is for Shibuno. After passing her professional golfer’s test last year, which she described to LPGA.com as a “four-day tournament that makes you vomit,” she immediately found plenty of success on the JLPGA, winning twice this year (including one major). But the good-natured Shibuno, nicknamed “Smiling Cinderella,” has never competed outside Japan until this trip.

Hinako Shibuno started Round 3 three-shots back, but finished strong with a back-nine 30 to take a two-shot lead into Sunday's final round @AIGWBO.

Highlights >> pic.twitter.com/3eW67BsWeC

— LPGA (@LPGA) August 3, 2019

Five major champions lurk in the top 12 including Ko, who has already won two majors this year. Sunday’s final round is set up with a clear contrast: Experience versus young star power, with the year’s final major hanging in the balance.