Daito Kentaku Eheya Net Ladies Begins With Early Starts to Combat Heat

Tournament Schedule and Heat Mitigation

The Daito Kentaku Eheya Net Ladies, held at The Queens Hill Golf Club (6,485 yards, par 72) in Itoshima, Fukuoka, runs from July 23 through July 26. To protect players, staff, and spectators from the intense summer temperatures, tournament organizers have continued the initiative to begin play at 6:00 a.m. for all four days of the competition. According to Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd., led by Representative Director and President CEO Keisuke Takeuchi, this early-start protocol was first implemented last year to shorten the time players spend on the course during the hottest parts of the day. To support this schedule, the event has coordinated early gate openings for spectator parking and adjusted shuttle bus operations from the nearest station to align with early-morning train arrivals.

The company has further expanded its safety measures for the 2026 event by installing mist showers and additional shade tents near the teeing areas. Spectators will also have access to large, roofed tents in the dining areas, and staff members are now equipped with improved hats featuring neck covers to provide better protection against direct sunlight. Furthermore, the tournament will provide free distribution of mesh caps, paper fans, salt tablets, and drinks to attendees.

Defending Champion Ayaka Watanabe and Field Outlook

Ayaka Watanabe enters the tournament as the defending champion. Representing the host sponsor, Daito Kentaku, she expressed a clear ambition for the week ahead: The only result better than last year is a repeat victory, so I want to do my best to see that scenery again. There are par-4s where you can aim for a one-on, so I expect a birdie battle again this year. I want to make sure I stay in the mix and take as many birdies as possible, valuing every single shot. I want to do a lot of fist-pumping from the first day and win; that is my number one goal.

The field also includes Miyu Abe, who is coming off a victory at last week’s Meiji Yasuda Ladies. Abe, who noted her familiarity with the course from her junior days, acknowledged the unique pressure of the week: The chance for two consecutive wins is an opportunity only I have, so I hope to enjoy it and play my own game. She warned that while the greens are soft, pin positions—such as on the 17th hole—may make birdie opportunities difficult to secure.

Strategic Goals for Daito Kentaku-Affiliated Players

Several other golfers affiliated with the host sponsor shared their tactical approaches for the 6,485-yard course. Rin Yoshida, who is aiming to perform well for her sponsor, stated: Since the tournament is hosted by my sponsor, Daito Kentaku, my goal is to fight through to the end of the four days. I want to give my best performance to show my gratitude. Since the greens hold shots well, I expect a birdie battle, but I want to attack the pins while calculating spin control. I will also be careful with heat countermeasures to ensure my body temperature does not rise.

Miyu Goto, also affiliated with Daito Kentaku, set a specific performance target: This tournament has special meaning to me, so I have a strong desire to leave a result. This course requires aggressive play, so shot power is important. My goal is 5-under per day, for a total of 20-under over four days. If I can achieve that, I think there’s a possibility of winning.

Reika Miyoshi, another affiliated player, pointed to recent improvements in her short game as a key factor for this week: My spring performance was a bit poor, but recently my shots have improved and my vertical distance is matching up well, so I intend to aim dead at the pins. Above all, my approach play has improved, so the number of bogeys I hit even when I miss the green has decreased, which is big. I have a strong desire to do my best in the tournament for Daito Kentaku, who always takes care of me.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

Live coverage of the tournament is available via U-NEXT, with streams running from July 23 through July 26, including final coverage through the awards ceremony. Television broadcasts are scheduled on TV Tokyo and BS TV Tokyo on July 25 and 26, with recorded coverage airing in the afternoon. Additionally, Sky A will provide recorded broadcasts on August 2. As of the start of the event, tournament officials noted that start and finish times remain subject to change depending on weather and the progression of play.

Sources: 一般社団法人日本女子プロゴルフ協会.