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.

 

Hinako Yamauchi

Yamauchi reported on her Instagram, “A huge transformation!!! monsoon nights are gonna get you so high!!!” She confessed that she had sent a message to her favorite artist, SEKAI NO OWARI’s hairstylist, Hiroki Eguchi, to ask for help with her hair and makeup for the awards, and he kindly accepted. Surrounded by the world of SEKAI NO OWARI, she commented, “Thank you so much for such a happy and fun time. It became the most memorable award ceremony.”

Sakura Koiwai

Koiwai (26), with two victories this season, had a photo session in a kimono with her close friend, Rio Takeda, who won five titles. When asked about the fashion points, Takeda answered, “It’s a pink obi,” to which Koiwai pointed to her own obi, saying, “This one,” making the gathered reporters laugh.

Reika Usui

Usui (26), who won her first title of the season at the AXA Ladies Golf Tournament in MIYAZAKI, appeared in a mermaid dress. The daring dress with an open back made her look like an actress. She revealed at an event that she would be debuting as an idol with Nana Suganuma (24) in February next year. She is one of the pros to watch next season.

Yui Kawamoto

Kawamoto (26), who won the NEC Karuizawa 72 Golf tournament for the first time in five years, appeared in a daring high-slit dress with her right shoulder exposed. She was delighted by the extra camera flashes from photographers, saying, “I feel like a Hollywood actress.” She also shared, “The color of Zoro, a character I support from my favorite manga ONE PIECE, matches the JLPGA’s color, green, so I decided on this dress. I fell in love with it at first sight!”

Reika Miyako
 

Miyako (20), who won the amateur title at the Daiou Kaiun Ladies Open on the lower tour and passed the professional test this year, appeared in a halter neck dress with bold exposures of her arms, shoulders, and back. She mentioned that she rented the dress just the day before, saying, “The venue had a black and gold atmosphere, so I chose black as the main color. I love the white halter neck design, so I decided right away.” Having been active since her amateur days, she is one of the rookies whose popularity is expected to rise next season.

Akie & Chisato Iwai

Sisters Akie (22) and Chisato (22), who passed the final qualification for the U.S. Tour in December and earned their entry rights for next season, showcased their excellent twin coordination in a photo session. “Our coordinated look was the point, and we matched with a houndstooth pattern,” they said, wearing the same houndstooth blouse and beige jackets and pants with different designs.