Kanazawa Shina's Historic First Win After 232 Games

A Journey of Perseverance and Mentorship

Kanazawa Shina, a 30-year-old professional golfer, made history on the 14th of last month when she claimed her first victory at the Sony JLPGA Championship, one of Japan’s most prestigious women’s golf tournaments. This win marked the culmination of her ninth year as a professional and her 232nd game on the tour. The victory came after an intense playoff, which left both Kanazawa and the fans emotionally moved.

After the match, Kanazawa was embraced by Shin Ji-ae, a 37-year-old golfer with 66 global career wins and a former champion of this very tournament. Tears streamed down Kanazawa’s face as she celebrated the moment. Shin Ji-ae, who has always been a mentor to Kanazawa, expressed her joy on Instagram, stating, “I’m happy we could engrave our names together on the trophy. Let’s remember the feeling of today’s victory.”

In a phone call the following day, Kanazawa reflected on the emotions of the moment. She said, “I was so nervous during the playoff. When it ended, I couldn’t see anything. But seeing Ji-ae smiling made it feel like a dream. That’s when the tears came.” For Kanazawa, Shin Ji-ae is more than just a competitor—she is a mentor, referred to as “sisho” (師匠), a term of deep respect in Japan for a guiding figure.

Learning from a Mentor

Kanazawa credits much of her growth to Shin Ji-ae’s influence. “I learned not to give up until the end and the mindset to keep fighting. She didn’t teach through words but through training and matches,” she explained. Three years ago, Kanazawa joined Shin Ji-ae’s Australian preseason training camp, where she worked on not only her physical strength and technique but also her mental approach to the game.

She recalled how training with Ji-ae helped her gain the endurance needed to push through 73 holes in the playoff. “Last year, I often struggled on the final day due to lack of stamina. But training with Ji-ae gave me the endurance to push through,” she said.

Another key figure in Kanazawa’s journey is Kim Aesuk, a representative of KPS and a former player who transitioned into coaching. Kim first coached Kanazawa during her second year of middle school. Her approach was strict but deeply caring. “She was like a child who’d fall with just a breeze. If she didn’t eat properly, I wouldn’t let her train. Without stamina, technique means nothing. I was strict, but I cared deeply,” Kim recalled.

Kanazawa remembers Kim as a motherly figure, someone who provided warmth even in difficult times. Due to her small build and technical limitations, Kanazawa chose to attend college instead of turning pro immediately, following Kim’s advice. This decision proved pivotal: she won the 2016 Japan Women’s Student Championship, gained confidence, and passed the pro test the next year.

Expanding Horizons

Kim Aesuk wanted her student to experience bigger stages. She arranged for Kanazawa to join a preseason camp in Chiang Rai, Thailand, where she trained alongside top Korean players like Kim Hyo-joo and Park Sang-hyun. The experience helped improve her stamina and mentality. “Her stamina and mentality changed on that stage. It was thanks to Coach Han,” Kim said.

Kanazawa described her growth as a combination of strictness and affection. “Morning-to-night training, constant corrections—yet I endured because of the warmth,” she said. She credits both Kim Aesuk and Shin Ji-ae for shaping her into the golfer she is today.

Beyond the Golf Course

Off the course, Kanazawa leads a simple life. She loves samgyeopsal with kimchi and finds stress relief in attending Twice concerts. Japanese fans describe her as a “serene, healing-type player.” She credits her love for Korean culture as a major source of strength.

Her first win after 232 games was a long-awaited achievement. Behind it were the steady guidance of Kim Aesuk, the opportunity provided by Han Yeon-hee, and the support of Shin Ji-ae, who shared her global-stage experience.

Now standing at a new starting line, Kanazawa aims for multiple wins. “The way to repay gratitude is to show better results,” she said. Her journey reflects the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the unwavering support of those who believed in her.