Tag: Race to CME Globe

Players on CME points bubble make late push in Japan, including Toto defending champ Gemma Dryburgh

Here’s a closer look at how those trying to clinch a spot at the CME got started in Japan.

With only two events left before the CME Group Tour Championship, LPGA players in Japan are making a strong push to secure their spot to compete for a $7 million purse and $2 million first-place prize at the season-ender.

2022 Toto Japan Classic champion Gemma Dryburgh is among those players. The Scot is currently 60th on the CME points list. The top 60 and ties after The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican advance to Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

JLPGA player Akie Iwai, currently No. 36 in the world, paces the field after Round 1 of the Toto with a 9-under 63. A three-time winner in Japan, Iwai tied the tournament’s 18-hole scoring record last shot by Shanshan Feng on the Minori Course in 2017.

Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, a six-time winner on the LPGA, holds a share of second at 8 under.

Here’s a closer look at how those trying to clinch a spot at the CME got started in Japan:

10 LPGA players to watch on the CME bubble, including Lexi Thompson and ’22 champ Lydia Ko

Here are 10 players on the bubble heading down the final stretch.

Only three events remain on the LPGA schedule before the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship, and there are some big-name players sitting on the outside. The top 60 players on the Race to CME Globe points list will qualify for the season finale in Naples, Florida, Nov. 16-19, where anyone in the field can win the top prize in women’s golf of $2 million.

This week’s Maybank Championship in Malaysia has a field of 78 players with no cut. A victory is worth 500 points, and a 10th-place finish garners 75. The Toto Japan Classic in early November is another no-cut event, which means that like the Maybank, every LPGA player in the field will earn CME points, should she complete all four rounds.

The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican is the final event before the CME points list is finalized on Nov. 12.

Here are 10 players on the bubble heading down the final stretch: