Chisato Iwai, (JPN) 50, celebrated a special birthday of her own in the golfing world. Her victory at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open was her first title on the LPGA Tour! The Japanese golfer achieved a historic victory, earning his victory in dominating fashion with a six-shot cushion. This victory exceeds the tour’s previous largest victory margin set earlier this year. Iwai capped off her victory with a 12-under 276 for a 12-shot win. Her talent and drive were on full display during the tournament.
As it turned out, Iwai’s final round was spectacular in its own right, a 6-under 66. She dazzled at the beginning of her round, producing five birdies on her first six holes. One shot in particular stood out, and that was her brilliant play on the par-5 fifth hole. There, she beautifully pitched from the edge of the water to two feet, making yet another birdie inevitable. She continued her strong play, rolling in a 7-foot putt on the fourth hole and hitting a wedge to four feet for birdie on the third. Iwai finished her stretch of birdies with a 15-foot attempt on No. 9.
Iwai set the tone for her dominance early on the first hole at El Camaleon. She opened with an early birdie and then never looked back, leading the tournament from wire to wire. With this victory she secured her claim to $375,000 in prize money. On top of that, she became the third LPGA rookie to win this season.
Prior to coming to the LPGA, Iwai showed her prodigious skills with eight victories on the Japan LPGA. Her stellar resume makes clear her production and prowess on the board. Her identical twin sister, Akie Iwai, has been in the news herself this year for twice finishing as runner-up.
Looking back on her victory, standout Chisato Iwai described the headspace she was in throughout the tournament.
“My mental is so calm — calm every day, every time.” – Chisato Iwai
This calmness may have played a key role in her ability to perform under pressure and maintain focus throughout the event.
Fellow competitor Jenny Bae was so happy for Iwai’s accomplishment that she shed tears of joy. Along the way, she considered her own path forward in the sport.
“It just tells me that I have a long ways to go but also I’m also getting there, too.” – Jenny Bae
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