Summary
Akie Iwai, a 23-year-old Japanese golfer, excelled in the third round of the LOTTE Championship at Hoakalei Country Club, where she faced strong winds. With a 1-under 71, Iwai accumulated a total of 13 under par (203), maintaining a lead over eight players who are one shot behind and Nelly Korda two shots behind. “There are no changes. Just keep going,” Iwai said. “Smile and have fun.” Second-round leader Youmin Hwang, who had shot a career-best 62 on Thursday, fell into a tie for second place after a 75.
She shares that position with Minami Katsu (66), Hyo Joo Kim (66), Megan Khang (67), Peiyun Chien (68), Brooke Matthews (69), Pornanong Phatlum (69) and Jessica Porvasnik (72).
Katsu said, “I’m sure it will be very windy tomorrow as well. I’m hoping, but I just want to be patient.” Korda, currently ranked second, birdied the 18th for an 11-under 69. After a seven-match winning season, Korda has yet to win this year and has lost the top spot in the rankings to Jeeno Thitikul.
Key details
“For me, the most important thing is to hit 100% on every shot,” Korda said. “That’s what I’ll do tomorrow. You never know. Golf is a crazy sport. Sports are crazy.”
Nasa Hataoka is also at 11 under par after a 71, while defending champion A Lim Kim carded a 66 to reach 10 under par. Iwai recovered from a bogey on the 12th hole, making a spectacular up-and-down shot on the 13th, which allowed her to start a run of six consecutive pars. On the 18th hole, she had a chance to extend her lead, but failed to convert a birdie after chipping out of a six-foot bunker.
“I'll forget what happened today and prepare for tomorrow,” Iwai said. On the 13th hole, she avoided a second consecutive bogey by hitting a large fairway bunker and leaving her approach 56 yards short in the right rough. With a wedge, she managed to get it to within three feet, thus beginning her streak of pars. In three days, she has made 46 of 54 greens in regulation. “I'd say I'm a shot-maker,” Iwai added.
Statements and context
Iwai had started the tournament with a 64 on Wednesday, leading the first round, and then a 68 on Thursday, which left her three shots behind Hwang. Her twin sister, Chisato, has also had success this year as a rookie, winning the Mayakoba event in May. On Friday, Chisato was at 9 under par after a 71.
Following this event, the LPGA will move to Asia for five consecutive weeks of tournaments in Shanghai, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan.