Chizzy Iwai Shoots 63 to Take 2-Shot Lead at JM Eagle LA Championship

The 23-year-old Japanese player carded 7 birdies and an eagle in her opening round.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:25am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the motion and energy of a golfer's swing, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant greens, blues, and yellows.Chizzy Iwai's explosive opening round has her poised to capture her second career LPGA title before the tour's first major championship.Los Angeles Today

Chizzy Iwai played a blistering opening seven holes, going 7-under with an eagle on the par-5 16th, and finished with a 9-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the JM Eagle LA Championship in Los Angeles. Former UCLA player Patty Tavatanakit, Sei Young Kim, and Suvichaya Vinijchaitham are tied for second at 65.

Why it matters

This tournament is the final event before the major Chevron Championship next week in Houston, making Iwai's strong start an important momentum boost heading into the LPGA's first major of the season. Iwai is seeking her second career LPGA Tour victory after winning the Mexico Riviera Maya Open last year.

The details

Iwai opened her round with a par on the 10th hole, then birdied the next five holes before capping her front nine with an eagle on the par-5 16th. She added two more birdies on the back nine to match the lowest score in the two years the tournament has been played at the tree-lined El Caballero Country Club. Tavatanakit, who played in the morning, had eight birdies and one bogey in her round of 65.

  • Iwai played her first seven holes in 7-under par.
  • The tournament is being held at El Caballero Country Club, subbing for Wilshire Country Club for the second straight year due to course renovations.
  • The JM Eagle LA Championship is the final event before the major Chevron Championship next week in Houston.

The players

Chizzy Iwai

A 23-year-old Japanese player who won her first LPGA Tour title at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open last year.

Patty Tavatanakit

A former UCLA player who is tied for second after shooting a 65.

Sei Young Kim

A South Korean player who is also tied for second at 65.

Suvichaya Vinijchaitham

A Thai player who is tied for second at 65.

Akie Iwai

Chizzy Iwai's twin sister, who was second at this event last year and won the Portland Classic for her first LPGA title.

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What they’re saying

“Good tee time in morning, so very peaceful and I feel comfortable. I had a feeling so relaxing. I had a good feeling.”

— Chizzy Iwai, Player

“My ball-striking felt really good. Just a solid day. Made a lot of putts.”

— Patty Tavatanakit, Player

What’s next

The tournament will continue over the next three days, with the winner being crowned on Sunday. Chizzy Iwai will look to maintain her strong play and capture her second career LPGA title, while players like Tavatanakit, Kim, and Vinijchaitham will try to reel in the leader.

The takeaway

Chizzy Iwai's blistering start has put her in prime position to win the final tune-up event before the LPGA's first major of the season. Her performance highlights the depth of young talent on the LPGA Tour, with several players in close pursuit heading into the weekend.