Seven-time LPGA Tour winner Nasa Hataoka recorded her fifth career hole-in-one during the third round of the Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass, doing so on the par-3 15th hole at Whirlwind Golf Club.

After debating club selection with her caddie, Greg Johnston, Hataoka opted for a pitching wedge over a 50-degree wedge for the 133-yard shot, a decision that more than paid off.

"I am glad to pick a pitching wedge. Good call, Greg," Hataoka said. "I think (the CME Group Cares Challenge) is such a nice system, and I’m glad to donate to St. Jude’s and all the kids."

By acing the 15th hole, Hataoka also won a 2026 Ford Bronco Badlands. The timing was ideal, as she and her team had actually discussed wanting a new vehicle after passing the display car on that hole earlier in the week.

"We just talk about I want to get a new car during practice round. It's because car right next to the tee box," Hataoka said. "I'm very glad to get that cool car."

Hataoka joins a small group of athletes who have recorded five or more career aces on the LPGA Tour since 2010, a list that only otherwise includes Jodi Ewart Shadoff (6), Lexi Thompson (6), Brittany Lincicome (5), Danielle Kang (5) and Xiyu Janet Lin (5).

The Japanese native’s previous four holes-in-one came on the 17th hole in the first round of the 2018 Kingsmill Championship; the 14th hole in the third round of the 2018 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give; and the 11th hole in the first round and the sixth hole in the second round at the 2021 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G.

It was the second time this week that someone made a hole-in-one at Whirlwind Golf Club. In the opening round, Epson Tour graduate Jenny Bae knocked her tee shot in from 152 yards on the par-3 sixth hole with a 9-iron.

Hataoka’s ace is only the third hole-in-one made in an LPGA Tour event this season and will see a $20,000 donation made by CME Group to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of the CME Group Cares Challenge – Score 1 for St. Jude campaign. So far in 2026, a total of $60,000 has been raised to support childhood cancer treatment and research.

Hataoka has carded three sub-par rounds over the first three days of the Ford Championship (68-69-69) and sits at 10-under heading into the final round in Chandler, Ariz.

Nasa Hataoka Makes Aces and Wins Ford Bronco in the Third Round of the Ford Championship

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