JLPGA Awards: Female Pros in Their Elegant Best

Rio Takeda proudly achieved five titles.

The JLPGA Awards 2024 was held on December 17 at a hotel in Tokyo, where tournament winners from the season dressed up and gathered for the event. This ceremony, organized by the Japan Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association (JLPGA), honors players who have achieved outstanding results in the domestic women’s tour. Known for showcasing the players’ glamorous appearances, the event is a goal for many pros who compete throughout the season.

This year’s Player of the Year award went to Rio Takeda (21), who also claimed the number one spot in the money rankings, the JLPGA Honorary Award, the Media Award for Best Comment, and a Special Award, achieving five titles in total.

Takeda shared her thoughts at the press conference: “This is my first time at the awards, so I’m really happy to experience the atmosphere and receive five awards.” Takeda won the TOTO Japan Classic, earning eligibility for the U.S. Women’s Golf Tour and a two-year seed starting in the 2025 season. Her main focus will shift to the U.S. next year.

“I enjoy watching baseball, so I’d like to see a Major League game. I’ve never seen Shohei Ohtani play, so I’d love to watch him,” she said, reflecting her passion for the sport. She also mentioned, “I’ve been advised by players in the U.S. to bring a rice cooker, so I think I’ll take one with me.”

As Takeda prepares for her move to the U.S., she will likely be busy during the off-season.

Takeda had decided to wear a kimono to the awards ceremony back in August and revealed, “I like pink, so I chose a pink obi cord for my kimono.”

The awards ceremony is the pinnacle of the season, where tour winners and golfing achievers are recognized. Players, attending in elegant attire unlike their usual golf attire, showcased a glamorous side of themselves. Among them, there were a few standout players who especially caught attention.