Shin Ji-ae, a living legend in women's golf, made history by achieving the first-ever 'Career Grand Slam' on the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour. She also celebrated her 30th career victory, securing a permanent tour card.
On October 4, at the Takara-zuka Golf Club in Hyogo Prefecture, Shin shot a final round of 4-under 66, with five birdies and one bogey, in the Japan Women's Open Championship, a major tournament with a total prize purse of 150 million yen.
With a total score of 11-under 269, Shin tied with Japan's Shiho Kuwaki, leading to a playoff where she lifted the winner's trophy after three extra holes. The victory came with a prize of 30 million yen (approximately $255,000).
This win marked Shin's first title in 1 year and 5 months since her last major victory at the World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup in May 2025.
Notably, she achieved her 30th win in her 336th tournament, becoming the seventh player in history to earn a permanent tour card. She is only the second foreign player to receive a permanent tour card since Teresa Lu of Taiwan, who has 58 wins.
Shin also completed the historic 'Career Grand Slam' by winning all four major tournaments on the JLPGA Tour, including the World Ladies Championship Salonpas Cup (two wins), the Tour Championship Ricoh Cup (two wins), and the JLPGA Championship (one win). With her victory at the Japan Women's Open, she became the first player in JLPGA history to win all four major tournaments.
Overcome with emotion after her monumental win, Shin shed tears of joy. In a post-match interview, she said, "It was truly a long day. I have never cried after winning, but this time I am really happy. I wanted to win so badly because winning this tournament would grant me a permanent card. I am so grateful and happy to finally receive it starting next year."
She added, "This victory makes me feel like I can continue regardless of my age. I have made my mark in Japanese golf history, and I will keep striving for more achievements."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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