LOS ANGELES (AP) – Chizzy Iwai recorded a remarkable 9-under 63 on Thursday, leading the JM Eagle LA Championship by two strokes. Iwai’s performance included an impressive 7-under start through her first seven holes and an eagle on the par-5 16th hole.
The championship is being held at El Caballero Country Club, which has taken the place of Wilshire Country Club for the second consecutive year due to ongoing renovations. This event serves as the final competition before the major Chevron Championship scheduled next week in Houston.
Strong Performance by Iwai
Iwai began her round on the 10th hole, carding a par before proceeding to birdie the next five holes and eagle the 16th. Her performance matched the lowest score recorded at El Caballero in the past two years.
“Good tee time in the morning, so very peaceful and I feel comfortable,” said Iwai, reflecting on her successful round. “I had a feeling so relaxing. I had a good feeling.”
On her second nine, she continued her strong play, adding birdies on the first and fifth holes. She expressed aspirations of achieving an even lower score, stating, “A little bit thinking 58 or 59. But golf is not easy.”
Competitors Close Behind
Patty Tavatanakit, a former UCLA player, is tied for second place with a score of 65, alongside Sei Young Kim and Suvichaya Vinijchaitham. Tavatanakit had a productive day with eight birdies and one bogey.
“My ball-striking felt really good,” Tavatanakit commented. “Just a solid day. Made a lot of putts.”
Lauren Coughlin, the recent winner at Shadow Creek, followed closely with a score of 66. Meanwhile, Hannah Green, who has previously won at Wilshire, shot a 67, expressing her comfort returning to LA regardless of the venue.
Notable Performances
Hyo Joo Kim and Lilia Vu both finished with scores of 68. Kim leads the LPGA Tour with two victories this season, while Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng also shot 68. Asterisk Talley, another amateur, recorded a 70 after a double bogey on the front nine.
Defending champion Ingrid Lindblad and former UCLA player Alison Lee each shot 69, with Lee returning to competition following maternity leave. Lizette Salas, a former University of Southern California player, finished with a score of 72, marking her first event since recovering from a back injury.