Chizzy Iwai delivered a remarkable performance on Thursday at El Caballero Country Club, shooting a 9-under 63 to seize a two-stroke lead in the JM Eagle LA Championship. Her round featured an eagle on the par-5 16th hole and a flawless front nine that saw her play the first seven holes in 7-under par. The 23-year-old Japanese professional matched the tournament’s first-round scoring record with her dominant display.
Iwai began her round on the back nine, birdieing holes 11 through 15 to reach 5-under par before holing out for eagle on the 16th. She carded an outward nine of 29 and added birdies on the first and fifth holes of her second nine to complete a bogey-free round. “I had a good feeling. I had fun,” Iwai said after her round, noting she missed just three fairways and one green.
The performance position her ahead of a strong chasing group that includes major champions Patty Tavatanakit and Sei Young Kim, as well as rookie Suvichaya Vinijchaitham, all tied at 7-under par. Defending champion Ingrid Lindblad opened with a 3-under 69. Iwai’s twin sister, Akie Iwai, shot 70 and played in the group ahead of her.
Speaking about her mindset during the round, Iwai acknowledged briefly thinking about the possibility of shooting 58 or 59 but said she quickly dismissed the thought to stay focused on her routine. “Every hole my driver was so consistent,” she added, crediting her calm demeanor to the peaceful morning conditions and favorable tee time.
The JM Eagle LA Championship, held at El Caballero Country Club for the second consecutive year due to renovations at Wilshire Country Club, serves as the final LPGA Tour event before the Chevron Championship in Houston. Iwai’s victory at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open last year marked her first LPGA Tour title, while her sister Akie won the Portland Classic last summer.
Hannah Green, the 2023 and 2024 winner at Wilshire, shot 67 and expressed her comfort playing in the Los Angeles area. “I just feel very comfortable when I’m back here in LA,” Green said. “Doesn’t really matter if it’s Wilshire.” Lauren Coughlin, the recent Shadow Creek winner, posted a 66 to sit just behind the leaders.
Tavatanakit, a former UCLA standout, had eight birdies and a bogey for her 65, calling it a solid day of ball-striking and putting. She noted it was her lowest round on the LPGA Tour since February 2025. Sei Young Kim and Vinijchaitham also carded 65s to join her in second place.
The tournament continues over the weekend, with Iwai aiming to convert her early lead into her second LPGA Tour victory. As the field prepares for the upcoming major, the JM Eagle LA Championship provides a crucial final tune-up on a course known for its tree-lined layout and challenging conditions when the wind picks up in the afternoon.
For ongoing coverage of the JM Eagle LA Championship and updates on the LPGA Tour’s swing through Southern California, follow World Today Journal’s sports section. Share your thoughts on Iwai’s historic start and join the conversation about what promises to be an exciting finish to the tournament.
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