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"Last week I won, but already it’s in the past,
already past,” Iwai said.
Fifteen-year-old Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng was tied for
second with top-ranked Jeeno Thitikul, Leona Maguire, Gaby Lopez
and 2023 winner Megan Khang.
On Sunday in Oregon, Iwai joined twin sister Chisato as a rookie
LPGA Tour winner. The 23-year-old Japanese player had
second-place finishes in Thailand in February and Los Angeles in
April, then watched her sister win at Mayakoba in May in Mexico.
She's playing in Canada for first time.
“Really beautiful course,” said Akie Iwai, a six-time winner on
the JLPGA Tour. “Looks like something similar in Japan course.”
Chisato Iwai bogeyed Nos. 8 and 9 to shoot 75.
Deng was born in Calgary, Alberta, and her family lived in
Montreal before moving to New Jersey for her father’s work. She
mostly lives now in Orlando, Florida, but remains a Canadian
citizen and plays for Golf Canada’s junior program.
“Just trying to hit each shot and play in the fairway,” Deng
said.
Thitikul played her first round since taking the top spot in the
world from Nelly Korda.
“I think just like another day at work for me,” Thitikul said.
Korda opened with a 69.
Slumping Canadian star Brooke Henderson had four birdies and
four bogeys in a 71. The 2018 champion won the last of her 13
LPGA Tour titles in January 2023.
“Just grateful we were able to get it back to even,” Henderson
said.
She played alongside Thitikul and Women's Scottish Open winner
Lottie Woad, who shot 75.
Defending champion Lauren Coughlin had a 74. She won last year
in Calgary.
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