Golf

The reason behind such a big change to PGA Tour eligibility is not much different from what it was some 40 years ago. Both were about trying to make the tour more competitive and to give real value to having a card. Of course, it involved money, too.

SHIGA, Japan (AP) — Rio Takeda of Japan won the Toto Japan Classic on Sunday in a six-hole playoff against Marina Alex to capture her first LPGA Tour title. Takeda closed with a 5-under 67 while Alex had a 66 to match her 15-under 201.

SHIGA, Japan (AP) — Nelly Korda clinched her first award for LPGA player of the year on Sunday when it became mathematically impossible for anyone to catch her in the points-based competition.

SHIGA, Japan (AP) — Rio Takeda of Japan won the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic on Sunday in a playoff that lasted six sudden-death holes, defeating Marina Alex of the United States. It was Takeda's first victory on the LPGA Tour.

SHIGA, Japan (AP) — Heavy rain and storms associated with Typhoon Kong-rey washed out the third round of the LPGA's Japan tournament on Saturday and reduced it to 54 holes.

SHIGA, Japan (AP) — Hana Wakimoto shot a 4-under 68 on Friday to maintain her lead after the second round of the LPGA's Toto Japan Classic.

SHIGA, Japan (AP) — Hana Wakimoto of Japan shot a bogey-free 9-under 63 on Thursday to lead by two shots after the first round of the LPGA's Toto Classic in Japan. Jin Young Ko of South Korea was two off the pace after a 65 at Seta Golf Course.

Yeji Kwon's life is unusual, but she wouldn't trade it for anything. The 18-year-old Kwon has spent the past five months on the road with her parents, playing golf on the Women's All Pro Tour, sharpening her skills to become Canada's next top player.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Fly, birdies, fly.

The words without context would sound ridiculous, which is about the only way Jason Caron can describe his last five months. “What am I supposed to do now? This ruins all my dreams. Now I have to play golf.