Akie Iwai wins Portland Classic to join twin sister Chisato as rookie LPGA Tour champion

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Akie Iwai joined twin sister Chisato as a rookie LPGA Tour winner Sunday at Columbia Edgewater, closing with a 6-under 66 for a four-stroke victory in The Standard Portland Classic.

Akie Iwai capped the bogey-free round with birdies on the final two holes, running in an 18-footer on the last before Chisato rushed on the green and sprayed her with champagne.

The 23-year-old Japanese player broke through in her first season on the LPGA Tour after winning six times on the JLPGA Tour.

She had second-place finishes in Thailand in February and Los Angeles in April, then watched her sister win at Mayakoba in May in Mexico. On Sunday, Chisato Iwai shot a 64 to tie for third, five strokes back.

“This is a special year for us,” Akie Iwai said.

Their parents shared in the victory.

Akie Iwai, of Japan, waves towards the crowd after winning the LPGA Portland Classic golf tournament at Columbia Edgewater in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ali Gradischer)

“When I saw my mom crying, oh,” Akie Iwai said.

She´s the fifth player from Japan to win this season, following her sister, Rio Takeda, Mao Saigo and Miyu Yamashita.

“So many Japanese people this year won, so inspired me,” Akie Iwai said.

They are fourth set of sisters to win on the LPGA Tour, joining Jessica and Nelly Korda, Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn and Annika and Charlotta Sorenstam.

The winner finished at 24-under 264 on the tree-lined course. She opened with consecutive 67s, then shot a 64 on Saturday to take a two-stroke lead into the final round.

American Gurleen Kaur was a career-best second, closing with a 65.

“I think it´s super exciting,” Kaur said. “We´re playing in Canada next week with a stronger field as well, so excited about that. Carrying that good momentum from here to there.”

Linn Grant of Sweden had a 67 to join Chisato Iwai at 19 under. Grace Kim of Australia was 18 under after a 70.

Amateur Kiara Romero shot a 64 to tie for seventh at 16 under in her first tour start. The University of Oregon player won the 2023 U.S. Girls´ Junior and 2025 Big Ten title.

“It feels great to just play really well my first LPGA event,” Romero said.” Kind of gives me a lot of confidence going into the school year… All the Ducks fans are out here. So, we had a big crowd and a lot of people cheering me on, so it meant a lot to put a good week.”

The tournament is the longest continuous event on the LPGA Tour except for the majors, dating to 1972.

___

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Akie Iwai, and Chisato Iwai, of Japan, after Akie won the LPGA Portland Classic golf tournament at Columbia Edgewater in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ali Gradischer)

Akie Iwai, of Japan, holds up the trophy after winning the LPGA Portland Classic golf tournament at Columbia Edgewater in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ali Gradischer)

Akie Iwai, of Japan, holds a bouquet of flowers after winning the LPGA Portland Classic golf tournament at Columbia Edgewater in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ali Gradischer)

Akie Iwai, of Japan, poses with the trophy after winning the LPGA Portland Classic golf tournament at Columbia Edgewater in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ali Gradischer)

Related Posts

195 Countries’ Leaders Who LOVE or HATE Thailand

In a shocking global sentiment analysis, 195 world leaders have weighed in on their feelings towards Thailand, revealing a stark divide that could reshape international relations. While some…

Most Protected Individuals from Various Countries

In a startling revelation, new data has emerged highlighting the world’s most protected individuals across various nations, sparking intense discussions about security, privilege, and power dynamics. The findings,…

Fears and Phobias of Prominent World Leaders

In a startling revelation that could shake the foundations of global politics, new insights into the fears and phobias of some of the world’s most powerful leaders have…

Messi regresó en todo su esplendor: golazo y asistencia de taco

Lionel Messi volvió a jugar luego de su lesión muscular e ingresó al inicio del segundo tiempo, junto con Rodrigo De Paul, en la victoria 3-1 de Inter…

You Won’t Believe How These Action Stars Have Changed! Then and Now 2025

Breaking News: Iconic Action Stars Undergo Stunning Transformations in 2025! In a jaw-dropping revelation that has taken fans by storm, beloved action stars have emerged with shocking new…

You Won’t Believe How These Action Stars Have Changed! 2025

In a shocking revelation that has taken the entertainment world by storm, former action heroes who once dominated the silver screen have undergone striking transformations that are almost…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *