Qualifier: Shot 68-68--136 at Honolulu (Hawaii) Country Club on May 9
Baba will play in her third U.S. Women's Open after earning the lone qualifying spot at the Honolulu (Hawaii) Country Club qualifier on May 9. Baba posted an 8-under total of 136, which included a 6-under 30 over her final nine holes to edge past 15-year-old Alexa Takai. In 2022, Baba joined Michiko Hattori as the only players from Japan to claim the U.S. Women's Amateur. Baba was impressive in the 36-hole final, defeating University of Michigan standout Monet Chun, 11 and 9 It was the third largest margin of victory in a title match. Two months earlier, she celebrated her 17th birthday in style by qualifying for her first U.S. Women's Open and then tied for 49th at Pine Needles. A month later, she was the stroke-play medalist at the U.S. Girls' Junior at The Club at Olde Stone, but was eliminated in the Round of 32. Baba also represented Japan in the 2022 Women's World Amateur Team Championship in France. Baba turned pro in 2023 and competed on the Epson Tour in 2024, making 16 of 18 cuts and finishing 18th on the Race for the Card Points List. She earned her LPGA Tour playing privileges for 2025 by tying for 24th in LPGA Tour Final Qualifying. Her best 2025 finish to date is a tie for sixth at the Ford Championship in Arizona.
YEAR
2025
SITE
Erin Hills
SCORES
75-70-77-73--295
TO PAR
+7
FINISH
T-36
YEAR
2023
SITE
Pebble Beach Golf Links
SCORES
79-77
TO PAR
+12
FINISH
MC
YEAR
2022
SITE
Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club
SCORES
73-72-70-78—293
TO PAR
+9
FINISH
T-49
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