"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment: Rio Takeda claims first LPGA victory in dramatic playoff at TOTO Japan Classic.
Rio Takeda Claims First LPGA Victory in Dramatic Playoff at TOTO Japan Classic
This year's LPGA TOTO Japan Classic faced a challenging situation for both organizers and participants. The tournament's third round was canceled on Saturday due to heavy rain at the Seta Golf Course in Otsu, Shiga, Japan. Tournament organizers decided to cancel the round to ensure the players' safety and maintain the course's integrity. Although such decisions are difficult, they are essential for preserving the quality of the competition and protecting everyone involved, including participants and officials.
After two rounds, Japan's Hana Wakimoto found herself out in front at -13 under par after shooting a 4-under 68 on Friday. That round of 68 was preceded by a course-tying 63 in the opening round, which was also her lowest in competition as a professional.
American Yealimi Noh and Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand were two strokes off Wakimoto's lead after the second round. Noh shot a 7-under par 65 on the day while only taking a remarkable 20 total putts in the round. Jutanugarn carded a 6-under par 66 on Friday. Rio Takeda of Japan was three behind after a 65 on Friday.
As the rain-shortened event moved into the back nine of its final round on Sunday, all eyes were on Rio Takeda from Japan and the American Marina Alex. Alex took a one-shot lead after nine holes as Takeda struggled with back-to-back bogeys on the eighth and ninth holes.
Early birdies on the back nine at holes ten and eleven allowed Alex to extend her lead to two shots through twelve holes. Although Takeda narrowed the gap to one with a birdie on the par-five thirteenth, Alex quickly responded by birdieing the next two holes, reaching -15 under par with three holes to play.
On the par-five sixteenth, Takeda came back with a remarkable eagle while Alex made par, bringing Takeda within one shot of the lead. The two players traded pars on the par-four seventeenth, leaving Takeda still down by one shot heading to the last hole.
Facing a one-shot deficit, Takeda went for the green in two on the par-five eighteenth after a strong tee shot; much to the delight of the home fans, her shot found the putting surface. After laying up on her second shot, Alex reached the green in three and had around a twelve-footer left for birdie.
Both players engaged in a thrilling sudden-death playoff, battling back and forth for six playoff holes. Ultimately, Takeda emerged victorious, marking her first win on the LPGA Tour. This victory is a significant milestone in her career and highlights the immense pressure and skill needed to excel at such high-stakes events.
The playoff showcased the mental toughness and resilience required of players at this level. Competing against seasoned professionals and maintaining composure over extended playoff holes is no small feat. Takeda's calm demeanor and strategic play were crucial to her success as she claimed her first victory.
This week, the ladies will move on to the LOTTE Championship presented by Hoakalei, which will take place at the Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, Oahu, HI.
DP World Tour and PGA TOUR to Return to Action This Week
After both having a week off, the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR will return to action this week. The DP World Tour will kick off its playoffs in the 2024 Race to Dubai at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. The PGA TOUR will be in Mexico for the World Wide Technology Championship, the first of three remaining events in the FedEx Fall Series.
In my "Fairway Focus" series on Wednesday, I'll provide a full preview of these two pivotal events as well as the LPGA's LOTTE Championship. Stay tuned!
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
