Rei Nakatani, a former UC Davis Aggie earned her first Japan Women’s Mid-Amateur Golf Championship victory with a composed performance at Ashihara Golf Club’s Umi Course, finishing at one-over 145 to win by two shots in Awara City, Fukui Prefecture.
Nakatani set the tone early in the 29th edition of the championship, posting an even-par 72 in the opening round — the only par-or-better score recorded all week. That round gave her a two-shot lead heading into the final day, a margin that proved crucial as strong winds off the Sea of Japan turned Sunday into a test of control and patience.
While many in the field struggled on the demanding layout, Nakatani stayed steady. She briefly lost the outright lead when Yuriya Shimizu surged with an outward 35, but Nakatani responded immediately after the turn, picking up birdies on the 10th and 11th to regain command of the leaderboard. Her final-round 73, featuring three birdies and four bogeys, was enough to secure the win in her fourth appearance at the championship.
Shimizu finished runner-up at three-over, with Maiya Shimomuro one shot further back at four-over in third place.
With the victory, Nakatani adds her name to the list of champions at Japan’s premier event for women amateurs aged 25 and above. The 2026 championship will move to Kyoto Prefecture, where Nissinito Country Club will host the 30th edition.