At the Seta Golf Course, Rio Takeda lifted the TOTO Japan Classic trophy and followed in her family’s tradition. The 21-year-old has been playing since the age of 6 and has always been inspired by her mother, Satoko Hirase, and aunt, Mayumi Hirase. Mayumi won 18 times on the Japan LPGA Tour, winning the Japan Classic in 1996.

It was undoubtedly a perfect homage as she won on her home soil. But does this victor earn her the LPGA Tour card for the 2025 season? It was the 50th anniversary of the TOTO Japan Classic since it started in 1973 and was inducted into the LPGA Tour’s schedule in 1975. Since then, the LPGA and Japan LPGA Tour have been sanctioning the event. Courtesy of this as a tournament winner of the LPGA Tour, Takeda will be getting the 2025 membership.

And she is definitely excited to tee up on the American circuit as a regular member. Posting on Instagram with her trophy, the 21-year-old thanked everyone who supported her through her journey and said, “I’m so excited to play on the US tour starting next season.” Moreover, in an interview post-win, Takeda added that she was planning to start at the LPGA Tour Q-School in December for the card, but said, “Now I can skip that and go and play next year on the LPGA tour, which is exciting for me.” 

Takeda’s victory at the Seta Golf Course was her eighth victory since April 2024. You could call her Nelly Korda from Japan, but winning at the 50th TOTO Japan Classic was not at all easy for Takeda.

How did Rio Takeda take her maiden LPGA Tour victory?

Coming at the Seta Golf Course in Shiga, Japan, the course was already playing slower as a storm had passed through the area. After the third round of the TOTO Japan Classic was suspended, the LPGA Tour decided to shorten the event to only 54 holes. The 21-year-old knew that it was her last chance to win the LPGA Tour event despite the challenges on her way.

At the 18th hole of the Seta Golf Course, American pro-Marina Alex already finished her round 1 stroke ahead. Takeda needed to make a birdie for the playoff and fortunately, she did just that. However, the sudden-death playoff did not end after one, two, three, or even four holes. At the first hole, the two pros were tied after draining a birdie. The next four holes were similar as both parred all of them.

The showdown was at the par-5 18th hole, the 6th playoff hole. Alex took her chances but could only make a par. However, Takeda was fortunate enough to conclude the playoff with a birdie and smile as bright as she took her first LPGA Tour win and the $300,000 winner’s check. It was indeed a tough battle to conquer, but Takeda flourished in the end and would now live her dream on the American circuit!