Akie Iwai Leads CPKC Women’s Open After LPGA Win

Japanese golfer Akie Iwai is leading the CPKC Women's Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club after opening with an impressive 7-under 64, just days after winning her first LPGA Tour title at the Portland Classic. Iwai's performance, marked by seven birdies and no bogeys, gave her a two-stroke lead over a group including top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul, Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng, Megan Khang, Gaby Lopez, and Leona Maguire. Fifteen-year-old Deng, competing as an amateur, is making a strong showing and is tied for second alongside several seasoned professionals. Thitikul, the new world number one, described the tournament as a normal day at work, while Brooke Henderson and defending champion Lauren Coughlin struggled to maintain consistency. Iwai, a rookie and six-time JLPGA Tour winner, praised the beauty of the Canadian course and demonstrated a focused mindset by putting her recent win behind her to concentrate on the current tournament. This event marks Iwai’s first time playing in Canada and highlights a blend of emerging talent and established players in a competitive field.