In an exciting round at the JM Eagle LA Championship, Akie Iwai delivered an impressive performance, carding an 8-under 64 while competing alongside her twin sister, setting her up in a three-way tie for the lead with Lauren Coughlin and Ingrid Lindblad on Saturday. The trio ended the third round at El Caballero Country Club tied at 17-under 199.
Lauren Coughlin had a solid finish with a 5-foot birdie putt on the par-4 18th hole, which helped her score a 66 for the day. Ingrid Lindblad, who shared the second-round lead with Ashleigh Buhai following a personal best 63, managed a 68, retaining her position at the top. Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked player, was three strokes behind after a three-putt bogey on the final hole, which served as her last event before defending her title at the major Chevron Championship in Houston next week.
Akie Iwai, marking her debut season on the LPGA Tour, made a significant impact by holing a 60-yard wedge for an eagle on the par-5 first hole and securing six birdies in an error-free round. “I want to just win the tournament,” stated Iwai, who has six victories on the JLPGA Tour. Her twin, Chisato Iwai, finished the day tied for 12th at 11 under after shooting a 70. Both sisters earned their LPGA Tour cards through recent qualification.
Akie reflected on playing with her sister, saying it felt no different than playing with any other competitor. Meanwhile, Lauren Coughlin remarked on her strong performance, highlighting her consistency, with only one bogey across the first three rounds. Last year, Coughlin achieved her first LPGA victories at the CPKC Women’s Open and the Women’s Scottish Open.
Sweden’s Ingrid Lindblad, a former LSU standout, showed skill with four birdies on the back nine. In her first tour season, she emphasized staying focused: “I think just need to like stay in my own bubble a little bit, don’t get too far ahead of myself.” Rookies Ina Yoon and Nelly Korda both made notable moves, with Yoon scoring 64 to hold fourth place at 15 under. Korda, who surged on the back nine with an eagle and birdies, lamented missing a short par putt at the finish.
Minjee Lee, who clinched the title at Wilshire Country Club in 2021, was among those tied at 14 under, headlining a competitive field alongside Rio Takeda who carded a scorching 64. Jeeno Thitikul also shone, finishing one more shot back at 13 under. Hannah Green, aiming to defend her title, was at 11 under following a 69.
Ashleigh Buhai, who fought through a challenging round due to a knee injury, slipped down the leaderboard with a score of 77. She ended the day tied for 39th at 8 under, a significant drop from her previous co-lead position.
This event wraps up the LPGA Tour’s West Coast swing, being hosted at El Caballero for the year. Plans are set to return to its regular venue at Wilshire following current renovations.