Rio Takeda

Rio Takeda (竹田 麗央) was born on April 2, 2003, in Koshi, Kumamoto, Japan. She competes on both the LPGA Tour and the LPGA of Japan Tour (JLPGA). Takeda turned professional in 2022 and joined the LPGA Tour in 2025, quickly establishing herself as one of the most compelling young talents in women's golf. She comes from a golfing family: her mother Satoko Hirase is a former professional, and her aunt Mayumi Hirase recorded wins on the JLPGA Tour and one LPGA Tour win in 1996.

Takeda dominated the 2024 season, claiming seven JLPGA victories including the Sony JLPGA Championship and the Japan Women's Open Golf Championship, both in September 2024. She was named the 2024 JLPGA Tour Player of the Year and led the money list that season. In November 2024, she claimed her maiden LPGA Tour title at the TOTO Japan Classic in a six-hole playoff against Marina Alex, a tournament shortened to 54 holes. She followed that with a six-stroke victory at the 2025 Blue Bay LPGA in China over Minjee Lee.

In 2025 she continued to contend at the highest level, finishing tied for second at the U.S. Women's Open and recording a T4 at the AIG Women's Open. Her iron play drew particular attention from observers throughout the season, with her precision from the fairway a consistent feature of her best rounds. At just 23, her record across both tours points to a player already capable of winning women's major championships.

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