Japan will once again take centre stage in women’s amateur golf after it was confirmed that the 2027 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship will be played at Taiheiyo Club Minori Course from 22 to 25 April.
The announcement was made jointly by The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation confirming that the ninth edition of the championship will return to Japanese soil for only the second time in its history.
Since its launch the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific has grown into the leading amateur championship for women in the region driven by a clear ambition to inspire and elevate the next generation of talent.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said:
“Japan has played a significant role in the success of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship and we are excited to be returning there in 2027. Women’s golf is strong in Japan and you just have to look at the success of major champions Yuka Saso, Ayaka Furue and, of course, our current AIG Women’s Open champion Miyu Yamashita to see the impact they have had on the world stage.
“We are extremely grateful to Taiheiyo Club for its tremendous support of amateur golf and look forward to the Minori Course providing an outstanding stage for the best women’s amateurs in the region at next year’s WAAP.”
Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship pathway to the world stage
Major championship opportunities for the WAAP winner
The championship is widely regarded as a gateway to the professional game with the winner earning life-changing opportunities on the global stage, including invitations to the AIG Women’s Open, the Chevron Championship and the Amundi Evian Championship.
That pathway comes at a time when the wider structure of women’s golf is also evolving, with changes to the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings set to reshape how players progress from amateur success to the professional ranks from 2026 onwards.
Taiheiyo Club Minori Course proven host of elite golf events
Situated on the Kanto Plain Taiheiyo Club Minori Course brings a proven championship pedigree to the occasion. The venue has hosted the LPGA Tour Toto Japan Classic on four occasions most recently in 2023 when Japan’s Mone Inami herself a Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific graduate claimed victory.
That experience in staging elite international competition has marked the course as a natural fit for one of amateur golf’s most significant stages.
Philip Hassall, Chairman of the APGC added:
“The profile of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific as the pre-eminent championship for elite women amateur golfers in our region will be further elevated in 2027 when we visit Taiheiyo Club’s acclaimed Minori Course.
“The combination of an outstanding venue a world-class field extensive global exposure and gracious Japanese hospitality will ensure another memorable chapter in the history of this fabulous championship.”
Japan’s historic moments in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific
Japan last hosted the championship in 2019 delivering one of the most memorable performances in the event’s short but rich history. Home favourite Yuka Yasuda produced a remarkable comeback to win by a record eight strokes overturning an eight-shot deficit after the opening round and still trailing after 36 holes.
Her victory came at the expense of Jeeno Thitikul who was attempting to defend her title and would later rise to become the women’s world number one.
Commenting on the announcement Yasuda said:
“I was able to win the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific held at The Royal Golf Club in 2019. I was incredibly happy to win on such a grand stage and it remains a fond memory to this day.
“I’m glad I was able to win. There were some very bad weather days during the championship but I persevered that day which led to the incredible victory. Even now as a professional that experience has inspired me to fight to the end no matter what.”
Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific continues to produce future stars
Since its inception the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific has proven to be a reliable predictor of future stars. Past competitors include major champions Patty Tavatanakit and Grace Kim while Japanese standouts Yuka Saso and Ayaka Furue both used the championship as a springboard to international success.
Thitikul remains a central figure in the event’s story as its inaugural and youngest-ever champion.
Shun Han, President of the Taiheiyo Club commented:
“I am delighted that through the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship we will be able to introduce Minori Course one of Japan’s top tournament courses to the world.
“I would like to thank the founding partners The R&A’s Chief Executive Mark Darbon and Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Chairman Philip Hassall and the entire team for giving us this wonderful opportunity.”
With the return to Japan and the selection of a venue steeped in championship history the 2027 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship promises another compelling chapter in the tournament’s ongoing role as a launchpad for elite women golfers across the region.
Related: Yunseo Yang Dominates Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific for Historic Victory
2027 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship key details
- The 2027 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship will be staged at Taiheiyo Club Minori Course in Japan.
- The champion will earn places in three women’s major championships and leading global events.
- The Minori Course is an established host of elite tournaments including the LPGA Tour Toto Japan Classic.
