
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.”