American golfer Yealimi Noh put on an impressive performance during the second round of the Toto Japan Classic, needing only 20 putts to shoot a 65 and trail JLPGA player Hana Wakimoto by two strokes. Noh, 23, has been on a hot streak lately, finishing inside the top 30 in her last six starts. Her success on the course can be attributed to a switch to a broomstick putter late in the summer last year, which helped her overcome putting struggles and improve her stroke and speed with the putter.
Ranked 130th in putts per green in regulation in 2022 and 102nd in 2023, Noh has seen significant improvement in her putting, currently ranking 41st in the category. During the Toto Japan Classic, she posted four consecutive birdies from the 4th to the 7th hole and made a chip-in on the 14th, finishing 11 under through two rounds and tied for second with former world No. 1 Ariya Jutanugarn, who shot a 66. Noh’s performance has been remarkable considering the challenging greens at the Seta Golf Course in Otsu, Shiga, Japan, which have more undulation than those in the States.
While Noh and Jutanugarn are chasing Wakimoto, the overnight leader, and an unlikely frontrunner, given her world ranking of 236th. Wakimoto leads the field in birdies with 14 and has been a member of the JLPGA since 2018. Her best finish on the tour was a tie for fourth at the 2019 AXA Ladies Golf Tournament in Myazaki. The competition at the Toto Japan Classic is fierce, with players like Jin Young Ko, another former world No. 1, slipping down to a share of fifth after a second-round 70.
Noh’s success can be attributed to her strategic approach to the course, understanding the challenges presented by the slopey greens at Seta Golf Course. While the undulations on the greens can be quick, Noh has adapted well to the course conditions, utilizing her broomstick putter to navigate the challenges effectively. Her ability to read the greens and adjust her game accordingly has been key to her performance in this tournament. With her recent success and continued improvements in her putting, Noh is poised to make a strong push in the final rounds of the Toto Japan Classic.
In conclusion, Yealimi Noh’s exceptional performance at the Toto Japan Classic showcases her talent and determination as a golfer. By making strategic adjustments to her putting game and understanding the nuances of the challenging course conditions, Noh has set herself up for success in the tournament. With a strong field of competitors, including former world No. 1 players, Noh’s ability to stay focused and execute her game plan will be crucial in the final rounds. As she continues to fine-tune her putting skills and adapt to the course conditions, Noh has the potential to emerge as a top contender and secure a victory at the Toto Japan Classic.
