Player Profile - Momoko Ueda

This week's player profile highlights the recent career achievements of Japanese golfer Momoko Ueda, winner of the 2011 Mizuno Classic. Born in 1986 in Kumamoto Japan, Ueda enjoyed an early introduction to the game of golf.

Known as a nation of golf fanatics, Japan boasts several scenic and challenging golf courses with mild summer weather that entices avid golfers to take to their home courses. In this atmosphere, Ueda first took up the game of golf at the age of nine. While completing her schooling at the prestigious Sakata School from the age of ten, Ueda approached her golf training with seriousness beyond her years.

During her teen years, the aspirant young golfer took part in several amateur championships and by the time she turned professional at the age of nineteen she had amassed an impressive record: 3 wins, 5 second place finishes and 15 top-10 finishes in just 23 amateur events.

Ueda's foray into professional golf saw her continuing this pattern of success. In 2005, her debut year on the JLPGA, she won the rookie's cup. The following season saw Ueda placed 4th in two events and carded a 9th place finish in the Mizuno Classic. In 2007 Ueda's professional career began to soar. At the age of 21, she won five JLPGA events, carding six second-places and two more top 10 finishes. In the same season, she represented Japan at the World Cup and also made her debut at the Women's British Open. A series of victories that culminated in a win at the Mizuno Classic were to follow in the same season. As golf fans began to take notice of the talented young player, her game was going from strength to strength.

Momoko Ueda has become a regular feature on the LPGA as she raises her game to new heights. Her second victory at the Mizuno Classic on Sunday confirms her place at the top level of professional golf.



Golfweather Editorial