Hinako Shibuno: The Smiling Cinderella Major Champion
Hinako Shibuno: The “Smiling Cinderella” Major Champion
She won the 2019 Women’s British Open on her very first LPGA start. Here is the fairy tale of Hinako Shibuno.
Hinako Shibuno — the “Smiling Cinderella” — produced one of golf’s great fairy tales when she won the 2019 AIG Women’s British Open on her first-ever LPGA start and first trip abroad for golf. Her beaming charisma and a birdie on the 72nd hole made her an instant global favourite.
1. A fairy-tale major
A debut to remember.
In August 2019, the 20-year-old Shibuno won the AIG Women’s British Open — her first LPGA event and first time abroad for golf — sealing it with a 20-foot birdie on the final hole to finish 18 under, one ahead of Lizette Salas.1
2. The Smiling Cinderella
Charm that won the world.
Her constant smile and fearless play earned her the nickname “Smiling Cinderella” and made her one of the most beloved stories in golf that year.1
3. A place in history
Following a pioneer.
Shibuno became the second Japanese woman to win a women’s major, after Hisako Higuchi’s 1977 LPGA Championship.1
4. Why she matters
A new face for Japanese golf.
Shibuno helped power a wave of Japanese talent in women’s golf, alongside greats like Ai Miyazato.
Frequently asked questions
What did Hinako Shibuno win?
The 2019 AIG Women’s British Open — on her very first LPGA start.
Why is she called “Smiling Cinderella”?
For her constant smile and the fairy-tale nature of her debut major win.
Was she the first Japanese woman to win a major?
No — the second, after Hisako Higuchi in 1977.
Keep exploring
Explore the stories, systems and culture behind Japanese sport.
Sources & notes
- 2019 AIG Women’s British Open on her first LPGA start (−18, 1 ahead of Salas, birdie on 72nd hole); “Smiling Cinderella”; second Japanese woman to win a women’s major after Higuchi (1977). Golf Digest; Wikipedia.
A profile dated 21 June 2026. No copyrighted material is reproduced.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月22日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月22日
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