T5. Yes, that is the best position this LPGA Tour pro has had so far in the 2025 season. Sarah Schmelzel’s impressive performance at the Blue Bay LPGA has been a highlight of her year. With a string of consistent finishes, including her recent outings, Schmelzel has shown she’s a force to be reckoned with on the course. But what’s behind her success?

One key factor is her partnership with her caddie, Taylor “Shota” Takeda. Takeda brings a unique energy to the game, and his humor and camaraderie play a big role in Schmelzel’s performance. The two share laughs and jokes, creating a lighthearted atmosphere on the course. Schmelzel appreciates Takeda’s ability to keep her positive and focused. Takeda’s background in college soccer at UNLV has given him a strong team mentality, which he applies to his caddying role. Their banter is infectious, with Takeda cracking jokes and Schmelzel laughing along. In fact, they were mic’d up during a practice round, showcasing their fun dynamic and even gaining Takeda 600 new followers on Instagram.

But how did this partnership begin? Well, Schmelzel and Takeda started working together at The Annika in November last year, after Takeda was introduced to her through their shared coach, Chris Mayson. While they may have thought it would be short-lived, the partnership seems to be going well, with Schmelzel’s game continuing to improve. Takeda’s ability to lock into the moment and help Schmelzel stay focused has been particularly beneficial. “He lets me get it out of my system,” Schmelzel said. “He’s so good at shifting my perspective out there.”

With Takeda by her side, Schmelzel is looking strong, and it will be exciting to see how their partnership continues to evolve. But who is Shota, beyond just being a caddie? Well, see for yourself!

A glimpse into “Shota’s” life

When someone’s background is as strong as Taylor “Shota” Takeda’s, it’s no surprise they’d excel in their chosen field. Before becoming a prominent golf caddie, Takeda was a standout soccer player at Kaiser High School in Honolulu and later at the University of Nevada. This athletic experience has likely influenced his approach to caddying, allowing him to bring a unique perspective and skillset to the game. Takeda’s caddie career took off working with fellow University of Nevada alumnus John Oda, and since then, he’s worked with several notable golfers, including Shugo Imahira, Jenny Shin, Doug Ghim, Alison Lee, and now Sarah Schmelzel.

With these golfers, Takeda has achieved significant success and developed strong partnerships. Notably, his partnership with Alison Lee helped her achieve automatic qualification to the US Solheim Cup team and notable finishes, including a runner-up spot at the 2023 Annika Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican. His ability to connect with players and adapt to their needs has made him a sought-after caddie in the golf world. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Takeda seems like a well-rounded individual with a strong support system. He values family time, enjoys beaches, spending time with friends, and singing, which likely contributes to his positive outlook and ability to connect with others.

Takeda’s fun and lighthearted personality is evident in his Instagram posts, like the one with his grandma captioned “Off weeks are for lunch dates with my adorable grandma. So blessed to have opportunities like this while I’m in Japan 🇯🇵”. Now, as Sarah Schmelzel’s caddie, fans are excited to see what this dynamic duo can achieve together. What do you think about Schmelzel’s new bagman? Let us know in the comments!