is a Japanese professional golfer. She has won 15 tournaments internationally, including four on the U.S.-based LPGA Tour.
Professional career Kobayashi turned pro in 1985. She won six titles on the LPGA of Japan Tour in 1989. In 1990, she joined the LPGA Tour and was named LPGA Rookie of the Year. She won four tournaments between 1993 and 1998. She also won one title on the Ladies European Tour, the Evian Masters in 1997.
Professional wins (15) LPGA of Japan Tour (11) 1989 (6) Sky Court Ladies, Tohoku Queens, Mizuno Ladies Open, Japan Women's Open Golf Championship, Junon Women's Open, Daio Paper Elleair Women's Open 1991 (1) Itsuki Classic 1995 (2) Fujitsu Ladies, Kibun Women's Classic 1998 (1) Japan Classic (co-sanctioned by the LPGA Tour) 2002 (1) Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open
Tournament in bold denotes major championships in LPGA of Japan Tour.
LPGA Tour (4) No.DateTournamentWinning scoreMargin ofvictoryRunner(s)-up118 Jul 1993JAL Big Apple Classic−6 (69-71-69-69=278)4 strokes Rosie Jones222 Aug 1993Minnesota LPGA Classic−11 (73-67-65=205)Playoff Cindy Rarick323 Aug 1998Rainbow Foods LPGA Classic−10 (69-68-69=206)Playoff Tracy Hanson48 Nov 1998Japan Classic−11 (68-68-69=205)Playoff Tina Barrett
LPGA Tour playoff record (3–1) No.YearTournamentOpponent(s)Result11993Minnesota LPGA Classic Cindy RarickWon with par on first extra hole21998Los Angeles Women's Championship Dale EggelingLost to birdie on first extra hole31998Rainbow Foods LPGA Classic Tracy HansonWon with birdie on first extra hole41998Japan Classic Tina BarrettWon with birdie on third extra hole
Ladies European Tour (1) 1997 (1) Evian Masters
Team appearances Amateur Espirito Santo Trophy (representing Japan): 1986
References
External links