Japanese golfer Akie Iwai shot an 8-under 64 on Saturday to move into a three-way tie for the lead after the third round of the U.S. LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship.
The 22-year-old moved up 11 spots from the previous day by starting her bogey-free round with an eagle on the par-5 opening hole and snapping up six birdies, five of them on the back nine at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles.
Japanese golf twins Akie Iwai (2nd from L) and Chisato Iwai (2nd from R) are pictured during the third round of the JM Eagle LA Championship on April 19, 2025, at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles. (Kyodo)
Iwai, who played the round with twin sister Chisato, is tied with Lauren Coughlin (66) of the United States and Ingrid Lindblad (68) of Sweden at 17-under for the tournament.
“I’m satisfied 100 percent,” Iwai said. “I was thrilled to get an eagle at the start, which is something that doesn’t happen often. I might get a little nervous, but I hope I can improve my score further on the final day.”
South Korea’s Yoon I Na (64) was alone in fourth at 15-under.
Rio Takeda, who claimed the first win of her rookie season last month, also fired a 64 to shoot up 38 places into a share of fifth with Australia’s Minjee Lee and world No. 1 Nelly Korda of the United States at 14-under.
Among other Japanese players, Chisato Iwai had a 70 to tie for 12th an additional three strokes back.
Japanese golfer Akie Iwai acknowledges the gallery after finishing her third round at the JM Eagle LA Championship on April 19, 2025, at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles. (Kyodo)
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