Akie Iwai Leads LOTTE Championship Despite Wind
HONOLULU – Akie Iwai demonstrated her composure at Hoakalei Country Club, facing strong winds to take the lead in the third round of the LOTTE Championship. The Japanese golfer, with a score of 71 strokes (-1), positioned herself with a total of 203 strokes (-13).A group of eight players is one stroke away, while Nelly Korda, ranked second in the world, is two strokes away. Youmin Hwang, who led the second round after an impressive performance, dropped to second place, tying with Minami Katsu, Hyo Joo Kim, Megan Khang, Peiyun Chien, Brooke Matthews, Pornanong Phatlum, and Jessica Porvasnik. Korda, after a birdie on the 18th hole, finished with a 69 for a total of -11. Nasa Hataoka also placed at -11 after a round of 71 strokes. Defending champion, A Lim Kim, achieved a 66 to reach a total of -10. Iwai, after a bogey on the 12th hole, demonstrated his ability to recover with an excellent “up-and-down” on the 13th hole, starting a streak of six consecutive pars. Despite a missed birdie on the 18th hole, Iwai remains steady. On the 13th hole, Iwai avoided a second consecutive bogey after a shot into a bunker, achieving an approach of 3 feet to secure par. His precision is reflected in the 46 greens in regulation achieved in three days.“There are no changes. Just move forward. Smile and have fun,” declared Iwai.
Akie Iwai
Akie Iwai achieved a remarkable 64 in the first round and a 68 in the second, staying close to the leader. Akie’s twin sister, Chisato Iwai, has also been successful this season, winning the Mayakoba event in May. Chisato finished at -9 after a round of 71. After this tournament, the LPGA Tour will head to Asia for a series of events for five consecutive weeks, including stops in Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.“I’d say I’m a hitter,” Iwai stated.
Akie Iwai
