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Hinako Shibuno

A Japanese professional golfer known as 'Smiling Cinderella' for her stunning 2019 AIG Women's Open Championship victory at Woburn.
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Hinako Shibuno is a Japanese professional golfer born November 15, 1998 in Okayama, Japan. Shibuno is known as 'Smiling Cinderella' for her warm smile and her stunning 2019 AIG Women's Open victory. Shibuno won the 2019 AIG Women's Open at Woburn Golf Club in only her first major championship start and her first event outside Japan. Shibuno holed a 19-foot birdie putt on the final hole to win by one stroke over Lizette Salas. Shibuno has won multiple JLPGA Tour titles. Shibuno was the first Japanese woman to win the AIG Women's Open.

How Golfers Say It

"Smiling Cinderella."
"Shibuno at Woburn in '19."
"First Japanese AIG winner."

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Origin

Hinako Shibuno was born November 15, 1998 in Okayama, Japan. Shibuno turned professional in 2018 and developed her game on the JLPGA Tour in Japan.

Rules & Context

Hinako Shibuno has won multiple JLPGA Tour titles including the 2019 AIG Women's Open at Woburn. Shibuno was the first Japanese woman to win the AIG Women's Open. Shibuno was 20 years old at the time of her major championship victory.

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Neil's Take

"Hinako Shibuno won the 2019 AIG Women's Open at Woburn Golf Club in only her first major championship start and first event outside Japan. Shibuno holed a 19-foot birdie putt on the final hole to win by one stroke over Lizette Salas. Shibuno earned the nickname 'Smiling Cinderella' for her warm smile and underdog story."

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Smiling Cinderella story?

2019 AIG Women's Open win. Hinako Shibuno won the 2019 AIG Women's Open at Woburn Golf Club in only her first major championship start and first event outside Japan. Shibuno earned the nickname 'Smiling Cinderella' for her warm smile and underdog story.

How did Shibuno win at Woburn?

19-foot birdie on 18. Hinako Shibuno holed a 19-foot birdie putt on the final hole of the 2019 AIG Women's Open at Woburn Golf Club to win by one stroke over Lizette Salas. The dramatic putt completed an improbable victory for the 20-year-old in her major championship debut.

Where is Shibuno from?

Okayama, Japan. Hinako Shibuno was born November 15, 1998 in Okayama, Japan. Shibuno developed her game on the JLPGA Tour in Japan before her stunning 2019 AIG Women's Open victory.

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