https://www.lpga.com/news/2025/rio-takeda-of-japan-shoots-a-blistering-8-under-64-in-china-to-win-her-second-lpga-title
[Recap was generated by ChatGPT]
In a performance that could only be described as “Rio-de-Janeiro-hot,” Japan’s Rio Takeda torched the course at the Blue Bay LPGA, leaving her competitors searching for the nearest ice bath. Her final-round 8-under 64 wasn’t just a statement; it was a full-blown manifesto on how to dominate a golf tournament.
Takeda’s clubs were on such fire that local firefighters were reportedly on standby, just in case her putter spontaneously combusted. Spectators whispered that the golf balls were considering unionizing against such treatment.
Meanwhile, Australia’s Minjee Lee, who finished six shots behind, was seen double-checking the leaderboard, perhaps wondering if Takeda had secretly played an extra round. And Ayaka Furue, finishing third, was overheard asking if Takeda had found a cheat code.
Jeeno Thitikul, the world No. 2, might have felt like she was in a different tournament altogether, finishing 13 strokes behind. Rumor has it she briefly considered taking up mini-golf instead.
As Takeda hoisted her second LPGA trophy, one couldn’t help but wonder: is she golfing, or just giving the rest of the field a free lesson? Either way, the Blue Bay LPGA will be remembered as the tournament where Rio Takeda turned the heat up to “unbearable.”
Rio Takeda gets her Sunday going with an opening birdie and extends her lead to 3 💪🐥
Tune in now on @GolfChannel 📺 pic.twitter.com/dlqF1NN1kS
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 9, 2025
BACK-TO-BACK BIRDIES FOR RIO 👏👏👏
She'es extended her lead to 6 shots early 🤯 pic.twitter.com/JLLTwjZif9
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 9, 2025
Rio Takeda is unstoppable right now 🔥
She kicks off her back nine with a birdie to maintain her six shot advantage 💪 pic.twitter.com/NR9XjAtLnu
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 9, 2025
Make it seven birdies and a six shot lead for Rio Takeda 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qDTMfkAiSs
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 9, 2025
One final birdie for Rio Takeda to tie the course record and take home the trophy in style 🏆🔥 pic.twitter.com/QstJVGhXkv
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 9, 2025
A message for you from our latest champion 📲👋 pic.twitter.com/eh3Fx4lZhT
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 9, 2025
In the LPGA Golf Pool, Ron Allen and Carol Merrill each had 30 points.
Points for Blue Bay LPGA
| Place | Player | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rio Takeda | 15 |
| 2 | Minjee Lee | 10 |
| 2 | Ayaka Furue | 10 |
| 4 | Cassie Porter | 8 |
| 5 | Mao Saigo | 7 |
| 5 | Sarah Schmelzel | 7 |
| 5 | Shuying Li | 7 |
| 8 | Nasa Hataoka | 4 |
| 8 | Gaby Lopez | 4 |
| 8 | Miranda Wang | 4 |
| 8 | Miyu Yamashita | 4 |
Here are the final round highlights from the LPGA’s Youtube page: