Mone Inami

Following an incredible five wins in 11 weeks on the LPGA Tour of Japan early last year it was no wonder that she went into the Olympic Games in Tokyo with the hopes of a nation on her.

A second round 65 lifted her through the field, but Nelly Korda’s 62 the same day swept her clear and in the end Inami, despite another 65 to close with, faced a play-off with Lydia Ko to decide the silver and bronze medals.

Silver it was after a par on the first extra hole and her excitement contrasted starkly with the disappointment of the crowd seeing Hideki Matsuyama lose a bronze medal play-off in the men’s competition a week earlier.

Three weeks later she added yet another title on her home circuit and then came two more to make it eight for the year and a place in the game’s top 15.