Signature of the month
Some of golf’s most compelling figures are not featured in “The Major Quest”. Some of them have never actually won a major. And they don’t need a major trophy to be considered a legend of the game. They built their legacies on longevity, consistency, grit, and moments that fans still talk about today.
The Signature of the Month shines a light on players who deserve recognition for their achievements and contribution to the game. We are highlighting the well-established names as well as the rising stars. Here, I share the stories behind my encounters with these players, explore their place in golf’s history or future, and describe what it was like to add their signature to the collection.
Hinako Shibuno burst onto the international golf scene in 2019 when, in her first appearance in a major championship outside Japan, she won the Ladies’ Open at Woburn. Her cheerful personality and constant smile quickly earned her the nickname “The Smiling Cinderella”. She has gone on to become one of the best-known Japanese golfers on the LPGA Tour, combining an attacking style of golf with a personality that makes her very easy to like.
I got Hinako’s signature at the 2023 Honda LPGA in Pattaya, Thailand. After her round, she took her time with the fans and was happy to stop and sign autographs. When she came over to where I was standing, she signed my cap and even had time for a picture. A nice person who clearly takes the time to interact with her fans.
February 2026 – Hinako Shibuno
