Akie Iwai leads the CPKC Open after her recent LPGA victory

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Akie Iwai showcased her dominance at the CPKC Women’s Open on Thursday, just four days after her victory at the Portland Classic. Iwai finished his afternoon round at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club with birdies on holes eight and nine, both par-4s, carding an impressive 64 strokes, 7 under par, and establishing a two-stroke lead.

I won last week, but it’s already in the past, it’s already behind.

Akie Iwai

In the rankings, the fifteen-year-old Canadian amateur, Aphrodite Deng, tied for second place alongside world number one Jeeno Thitikul, and prominent players Leona Maguire, Gaby Lopez, and the 2023 winner, Megan Khang. The previous Sunday in Oregon, Iwai joined her twin sister Chisato as a rookie winner on the LPGA Tour. The 23-year-old Japanese player had previously achieved second places in Thailand in February and in Los Angeles in April, as well as witnessing her sister’s victory in Mayakoba, Mexico, in May. This is the first time they are participating in a tournament in Canada.

A truly beautiful field. It looks like some fields in Japan.

Akie Iwai

Chisato Iwai had a less fortunate performance, with bogeys on holes 8 and 9, finishing with 75 strokes. Aphrodite Deng, born in Calgary, Alberta, lived in Montreal before her family moved to New Jersey for her father’s job. She currently resides primarily in Orlando, Florida, but maintains her Canadian citizenship and competes for Golf Canada’s junior program.

I just try to hit every shot and play in the fairway.

Aphrodite Deng

Thitikul played her first round since reaching the top of the world ranking.

I think it’s like another day at work for me.

Jeeno Thitikul

Nelly Korda started with a 69. Canadian star Brooke Henderson, who hasn’t had her best moment, achieved four birdies and four bogeys, finishing with 71 strokes. The 2018 champion won her last LPGA Tour title in January 2023.

Grateful to be able to return to par.

Brooke Henderson

Henderson played alongside Thitikul and Lottie Woad, winner of the Women’s Scottish Open, who scored 75 strokes. The defending champion, Lauren Coughlin, finished with 74 strokes. Coughlin won last year in Calgary.