Japanese star rookie Akie Iwai was in prime form once again in the opening round in Canada, taking a two-stroke lead at -7.
Iwai is coming off her first LPGA Tour victory in Portland last week, and wasted no time continuing that here. Iwai birdied her first two holes and never really lost momentum. She didn’t make a single bogey and added five more birdies, including three on the last four holes.
Iwai’s putting was in top form, needing only 25 on the day, combined with 14 greens hit, it is no wonder she came out dominant.
Just behind Iwai at -5 is a large group of experienced players, including the No. 1 player in the world Jeeno Thitikul, along with LPGA Tour winners Megan Khang, Gaby López and Leona Maguire. Joining that group is amateur Aphrodite Deng, who has recently become a superstar in the junior ranks. She is also the top ranking Canadian player.
Thitikul had an okay front nine, shooting even par, but made five birdies without a dropped shot on the back nine. She as well only had 25 putts, showing off her well-rounded game.
No. 2 player in the world, Nelly Korda, was in good form shooting -2 while showing a bit more consistency off the tee.
The second round kicks off early in the morning on Golf Channel.
