Japan’s Akie Iwai carded an eight-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the LPGA Lotte Championship in Hawaii on Wednesday.
The 23-year-old, seeking her second LPGA Tour title after last year’s Portland Classic, rolled in nine birdies against a single bogey on the par-three 9th. She played alongside her twin sister, Chisato, who also won in her rookie season.
“It was fun,” Iwai said. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow too.”
Iwai, who hit 13 of 14 fairways and 17 of 18 greens in regulation, ended the morning session one stroke ahead of compatriot Nasa Hataoka, Australia’s Gabriela Ruffels and Taiwan’s Chien Peiyun.
Hataoka signed for a seven-under 65 that included eight birdies, with five coming in succession after the turn. Ruffels also made eight birdies with one bogey, while Chien returned a bogey-free card with seven birdies at Hoakalei Country Club.
“I feel like the defence of this golf course is the wind,” Ruffels said. “Having an afternoon tee time tomorrow, I feel like it’s going to be a bit trickier and tougher to shoot a lower number. But I feel like my game is getting there. Today was a really good one.”
Defending champion Kim A-lim of South Korea joined Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum and Patty Tavatanakit in a share of fifth after rounds of 66.
World No 2 Nelly Korda posted a three-under 69, mixing five birdies with two bogeys.
“A little bit of an up and down round but overall happy to get it in at three under,” Korda said. “Definitely have a long way to go to get in contention.”
Paula Reto, the only South African in the field, carded four-under 68 to share 11th position.
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Photo: Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
Article Link: Iwai leads LPGA Lotte Championship, Saffa shares 11th