Rio Takeda’s rapid rise from a six-year-old beginner to a multi-tour champion exemplifies the power of elite mentorship and disciplined development. She boasts ten professional wins, two LPGA titles, and record-breaking earnings in Japan, all by age 22.
In the following sections, you’ll learn key facts about her background, a timeline of her career progress, her current net worth and endorsements, detailed performance statistics, and answers to the most common questions fans ask about her.
Rio Takeda’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rio Takeda |
| Date of Birth | 2 April 2003 |
| Age | 22 |
| Education | Kumamoto Kofu High School |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 167 cm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2022 |
| Net Worth | $3.43 million |
| Salary/Career Earnings | $3.43 million (on-course earnings) |
| Spouse | Single |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Takeda was born in Kōshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, into a family steeped in golf excellence. Her mother, Satoko Hirase, competed on the LPGA of Japan Tour for 12 years, while her aunt, Mayumi Hirase, won 18 times in Japan and captured a title on the LPGA Tour in 1996.
Surrounded by professionals, Rio began swinging clubs at age six and quickly developed a polished technique under their guidance. She dominated junior events, claiming the 39th Kyushu Junior Golf Championship, and at 18 earned low amateur honors at the 2021 Japan Women’s Open, finishing tied for 54th against seasoned pros.
Eschewing the traditional university path, she turned professional in 2022, bypassed college, and joined the LPGA of Japan Tour immediately, showcasing the maturity and skill that foreshadowed her rapid ascent.
Professional Career
Takeda’s first professional season on the JLPGA in 2022 laid the foundation for a breakout 2024 campaign. During that year, she captured eight titles, including two majors—the Sony JLPGA Championship and the Japan Women’s Open—shattering the single-season earnings record with ¥265 million (approx. $1.69 million).
Her victory at the co-sanctioned Toto Japan Classic in November 2024, where she edged Marina Alex in a six-hole playoff, granted her LPGA Tour membership and heralded her international breakthrough.
In early 2025, she continued her momentum by firing an 8-under 64 to win the Blue Bay LPGA by six strokes, establishing herself as the top rookie and earning over $469,000 that season on the LPGA.
Her statistical profile—averaging 271.56 yards off the tee, 73.75% fairway accuracy, and +1.91 strokes gained tee-to-green—underscores her elite ball-striking, while ongoing work on her putting promises even greater success ahead.
Caddie
Rio Takeda’s caddie is Dean Herd, a seasoned professional known for his supportive approach on the bag. Herd travels with Takeda on both the LPGA Tour and the LPGA of Japan Tour, where he focuses on maintaining her joyful, competitive demeanor through humor and positive reinforcement.
Together, they have navigated multiple tour victories, including back-to-back wins at the KKT Cup Vantelin Ladies Open and Fujisankei Ladies Classic in 2024, and her breakthrough LPGA Tour triumph at the 2025 Blue Bay LPGA. Their partnership highlights the crucial role a caddie plays in strategy, morale, and on-course decision-making.
Rio Takeda’s Net Worth Details
Rio Takeda’s net worth is estimated to be $3.43 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $143,891 (JLPGA) |
| 2023 | $353,881 (JLPGA & LPGA) |
| 2024 | $2,393,472 (JLPGA & LPGA) |
| 2025 | $746,096 (LPGA, to date) |
Endorsements
Takeda’s global appeal has attracted partnerships with leading brands. Fujifilm, drawn by her roots in Kumamoto, signed her before her LPGA Tour membership, while equipment support comes from Srixon and Cleveland Golf. These endorsements add roughly $500,000 per year to her income, reinforcing her financial stability and enabling continued investment in her game.
Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Professional Wins | 10 (8 JLPGA, 2 LPGA) |
| LPGA Tour Wins | 2 |
| JLPGA Tour Wins | 8 |
| Driving Distance | 271.56 yards |
| Fairway Accuracy | 73.75% |
| Strokes Gained Tee-to-Green | +1.91 (4th on LPGA) |
| Strokes Gained Putting | -0.50 (121st on LPGA) |
| Career Earnings | $3.43 million |
| Rolex World Ranking (2025) | 17th |
FAQs
1. What majors has Rio Takeda won?
She has not yet won an LPGA major championship but captured two majors on the JLPGA Tour in 2024: the Sony JLPGA Championship and the Japan Women’s Open.
2. How many professional wins does Takeda have?
Takeda has ten professional victories to date, including eight wins on the LPGA of Japan Tour and two on the LPGA Tour.
3. What is Takeda’s best finish in a U.S. LPGA major?
Her top performance in an LPGA major is a tie for ninth at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open, which also earned her an exemption into the 2025 championship.
4. Who in Takeda’s family influenced her golf career?
Her mother, Satoko Hirase, and aunt, Mayumi Hirase, both former JLPGA champions, provided technical coaching and mental guidance from her first lessons at age six.
5. Which brands sponsor Rio Takeda?
Major endorsements include Fujifilm for her off-course image and equipment partnerships with Srixon and Cleveland Golf, together generating about $500,000 annually.
