Hainan Island, China – Taketa Rea, a 21-year-old rising star from Kumamoto, has captured the spotlight by winning her second US tour victory at the Blue Bay LPGA tournament held on March 9, 2025, at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Club. Demonstracing impressive skill and composure, Taketa secured her win with a six-stroke lead, finishing the tournament with remarkable precision.
Starting the final round with a two-stroke lead, Taketa maintained her status as the sole leader, displaying extraordinary performance throughout the day. The final round saw her complete the course with seven birdies and no bogeys, tying the course record with a score of 65. This achievement marks not only her second victory on the US tour but also solidifies her growing presence on the international golf scene.
According to sources, Taketa started her round excellently with birdies on the first, third, and fourth holes, taking her overall score to twelve under par. Her closest competitors, including Haruka Kohguchi and others who finished at six under, were left six strokes behind, showcasing the dominance Taketa exhibited throughout the event.
Prior to the victory, Taketa participated in her fifth tournament of the season, transitioning her focus to the US tour. Last year, she claimed her first victory at the TOTO Japan Classic, making this new win particularly significant as it underlines her potential as she continues to navigate her professional career.
"I didn’t think I would win so early," Taketa mentioned during the post-victory celebration. Overflowing with joy, she reflected on her performance and the support she received, saying, "I’m really happy because the cheers from Japan reached me. Thank you everyone for the support over the four days!"
The overall prize pool for the tournament stood at $2.5 million, from which Taketa clinched $375,000, translating to approximately 55.5 million yen. This financial success aligns her with the history of impressive awards within women’s professional golf.
Taketa's performance is likely to inspire many upcoming golfers, particularly females striving to make their mark on the global stage. Her incredible victory not only showcases her talent but also emphasizes the increasing recognition and presence of Japanese athletes within the sport of golf.
Other notable participants included Sayaka Nishimura and Minami Katsu, who also made significant contributions to the event with commendable golf. Nishimura, who began the final day tied with Kohguchi, finished with five under after encountering some challenges. Meanwhile, Katsu displayed resilience by climbing the leaderboard significantly, totaling three under par.
This victory at the Blue Bay LPGA follows Taketa’s impressive record of wins, including two major titles last season. It raises anticipation for her future performances and potential as she continues her career on the US tour. Observers and fans alike are eager to witness what more she can achieve with such fierce determination and undeniable skill.
With this achievement, Taketa now stands as not just a competitor, but a remarkable representative of Japanese women’s golf, opening avenues of potential new champions for her country on the global stage. The golf community will undoubtedly keep their eyes on her as she progresses through her professional career, hopefully leading to yet more victories and accolades.
The 2025 Blue Bay LPGA culminates with Taketa Rea celebrated not just for her skill, but for her character and poise throughout this intense competition. Her story is one of hard work, dedication, and the thrill of victory, epitomizing the spirit of sportsmanship and the relentless pursuit of excellence.