In an unforgettable finish at the TOTO Japan Classic, 21-year-old Rio Takeda secured her first LPGA Tour victory on home soil at Seta Golf Course, following in the footsteps of her mother, Satoko Hirase, and her aunt, Mayumi Hirase—a former champion of the same event in 1996. The young star overcame a storm-shortened 54-hole tournament and triumphed in a thrilling six-hole playoff against American Marina Alex to win the tournament’s 50th anniversary edition, earning her LPGA Tour card for the 2025 season.
Takeda’s win grants her LPGA Tour membership without needing to attend the Q-School in December, a pivotal development she expressed excitement about on social media. “I’m so excited to play on the US tour starting next season,” she posted alongside her trophy. The victory caps an impressive season, marking her eighth win since April and solidifying her as a rising talent in international golf.
The path to victory, however, was anything but straightforward. After a storm delay led to the tournament being shortened, Takeda faced the challenge of overcoming Marina Alex in a tightly contested playoff. Both players kept their composure through five playoff holes, remaining deadlocked after each parred multiple attempts. Finally, on the sixth hole, Takeda broke through with a decisive birdie on the par-5 18th, securing both the TOTO Japan Classic title and a $300,000 prize.
The playoff was emblematic of Takeda’s resilient style, as she made critical shots under immense pressure, showing a calm focus akin to some of the game’s seasoned professionals. With her success, Takeda enters the LPGA as Japan’s latest ambassador to the U.S. golf circuit, carrying forward the legacy of Japanese champions and setting her sights on future victories stateside.
Perspective: Is Takeda the Next Japanese Golf Icon?
Takeda’s remarkable win and her family’s golfing heritage position her as a compelling new face in the sport. As she transitions to the LPGA Tour, the question lingers: Could she become the next big Japanese star on the global golf stage, similar to Nelly Korda’s rise in the U.S.? Her strong, consistent performance this year suggests that she may indeed be ready to take on the American circuit, and her competitive poise and personal connection to the game only strengthen her potential.
“I’m so excited to play on the US tour starting next season,” Takeda wrote, her words reflecting a young athlete on the brink of a promising career.
Sources for this article include: LPGA Tour, Rio Takeda’s official social media statements
