Iwai Dominates CPKC Women’s Open: Leads by 3 Strokes in Pursuit of Double

Akie Iwai leads the CPKC Women’s Open

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Akie Iwai is positioned as the leader heading into the weekend at the CPKC Women’s Open, seeking her second consecutive victory. After an opening round of 64 strokes (7 under par), Iwai carded a 69 on Friday, reaching a total of 133 strokes (9 under par) at the Mississaugua Golf and Country Club. The 23-year-old Japanese golfer, who won the Portland Classic last Sunday, joins her twin sister Chisato as a rookie champion of the LPGA Tour. Iwai maintains a simple game strategy, avoiding anticipating results.

“I don’t change my mind. I don’t change my swing. I just focus on my game,” he affirmed.

Akie Iwai

Jeeno Thitikul, the Thai star who debuts after snatching the world number 1 spot from Nelly Korda, achieved a 70, sharing second place with Minjee Lee (67) and Leona Maguire (70). Canadian golfer Brooke Henderson, after starting with 71 strokes, recovered with a 66, placing herself at 5 under par. The 2018 champion obtained her last LPGA Tour title in January 2023.

“I’m close,” Henderson said. “I just have to keep going and complete two more solid rounds.”

Brooke Henderson

Henderson played alongside Thitikul and Lottie Woad, winner of the Women’s Scottish Open, who with rounds of 75-69 failed to make the cut by one stroke. Defending champion Lauren Coughlin also missed the cut after registering 74-70. Coughlin won last year in Calgary. Akie Iwai, with six victories on the JLPGA Tour, is participating in Canada for the first time. On Friday, on the tree-lined course, she played the first nine holes in par, with two birdies and two bogeys. In the second half, she achieved birdies on the 13th hole (par-5) and the 17th (par-4).

“Today I also had many birdie opportunities, but I couldn’t convert them. I left short putts,” he commented.

Akie Iwai

Chisato Iwai, winner in Mayakoba in May in Mexico, also missed the cut by one stroke, with rounds of 75 and 69. Korda was at 4 under par after his second round of 69. He had a double bogey on the 3rd hole (par-3). Aphrodite Deng, the 15-year-old Canadian amateur, who tied for second place after a first round of 66, shot a 73, falling to 15th place at 3 under par.