Akie Iwai, Lauren Coughlin, and Ingrid Lindblad Share the Lead at the LPGA Championship
Akie Iwai delivered a sensational performance Saturday at the JM Eagle LPGA Championship, shooting an 8-under 64 and securing a share of the third-round lead. She’s joined atop the leaderboard by Lauren Coughlin and Ingrid Lindblad, with all three sitting at a strong 17-under 199. The battle at El Caballero Country Club promises an electric final day as top-ranked players jockey for position.
Twin Power: Akie Iwai Finds Her Groove Playing Alongside Sister Chisato
Akie Iwai, a 22-year-old rookie from Japan, made the most of her Saturday, showing incredible control and composure on a course that has challenged many this week. Playing alongside her twin sister, Chisato, Akie wasted no time making a statement. On the very first hole, she holed out a 60-yard wedge shot for eagle, setting the tone for a bogey-free round that also included six birdies.
“I just want to win,” Akie said firmly after her round. “My goal is to win at least one tournament this year, and this could be it.”
Despite the sibling connection, Akie was quick to dismiss the idea that playing with her sister gave her any particular edge.
“No change in mind. She’s just another opponent out there,” she said with a small smile.
Chisato, for her part, also showed flashes of brilliance, though she cooled off with a third-round 70, landing her in a tie for 12th place at 11-under.
Lauren Coughlin Steadies the Ship: One Bogey in Three Days
Meanwhile, Lauren Coughlin showcased resilience and a steady hand to put herself in prime contention. After making birdies on four of her first five holes, Coughlin settled into a stretch of 10 straight pars before birdieing two of her final three to card a 66.
“Only one bogey in three days, and that’s always good,” said Coughlin, a 32-year-old from Virginia who is coming off a breakout year with victories at the CPKC Women’s Open and Women’s Scottish Open. “There were a few shaky moments today, but I was able to keep it together and finish strong.”
Coughlin’s composed demeanor and ability to recover from mid-round wobbles have been critical, and she now finds herself one solid round away from adding another LPGA Tour title to her growing resume.
Ingrid Lindblad’s Calm Approach Keeps Her in Contention
Swedish star Ingrid Lindblad, another standout rookie and former LSU Tiger, continued her solid form with a 68. She started the day tied for the lead with Ashleigh Buhai but stayed steady on Saturday with four birdies on the back nine.
“It’s about staying in my bubble,” Lindblad explained. “You can’t win the tournament today or on the first tee tomorrow. You have to stay present and play your game.”
At 25 years old, Lindblad shows maturity beyond her years. Her composed play has made her a serious contender for her first LPGA title, and Sunday will be a huge test of her mental and physical stamina.
Nelly Korda’s Charge Stalls Late, but She’s Still in the Hunt
World No. 1 Nelly Korda made a spirited push on Saturday but stumbled late with a costly three-putt bogey on the 18th. Her third-round 67 puts her three shots back at 14 under, still very much within striking distance.
Korda’s back nine featured fireworks, including an eagle on the par-5 16th, where she nearly holed her approach, and four birdies. However, two bogeys on the back nine, especially the missed short par putt at the end, left her visibly frustrated.
“Obviously a little upset about my last putt,” Korda admitted. “But overall, I played some really solid golf. I hit good shots, made good putts, and just have to shake it off and come back strong tomorrow.”
With the Chevron Championship looming next week, where Korda will defend her title, a strong Sunday finish could give her vital momentum.
Source: A. Iwai, Coughlin, Lindblad atop LPGA Tour’s LA Championship
Ina Yoon, Rio Takeda, and Minjee Lee Lurking in the Shadows
While the leaders are grabbing headlines, a group of talented players sits within shouting distance.
South Korean rookie Ina Yoon put together a blistering 64 to move to 15-under, just two shots back. Yoon, like Iwai and Lindblad, is seeking her first LPGA win and has shown she’s not afraid to go low.
Rio Takeda, another emerging star, also matched that 64 and shares 14-under with Minjee Lee, the 2021 LA Championship winner. Lee battled to a 70, keeping herself in the mix despite not having her best stuff on Saturday.
Second-ranked Atthaya Thitikul is also within reach at 13 under after a 68. Her smooth ball-striking and patient demeanor could make her a dark horse candidate for a Sunday surge.
Ashleigh Buhai’s Injury Woes Derail Her Title Hopes
Ashleigh Buhai, who had co-led the first two rounds, saw her tournament hopes unravel as she battled through a sprained MCL in her left knee. Clearly in pain, Buhai struggled to a 77, plummeting down the leaderboard to 8-under and 39th place.
It was a brutal turn for the South African, who had played such brilliant golf earlier in the week. Even in the face of adversity, Buhai’s fighting spirit was evident as she gritted her way through 18 holes.
Final Round Set for Fireworks: Who Will Take Home the Trophy
The stage is now set for a dramatic final round at El Caballero. With three players tied for the lead, a handful of stars within a few strokes, and the added motivation of a major championship next week, Sunday’s finale should be electric.
For Akie Iwai, Lauren Coughlin, and Ingrid Lindblad, it’s an opportunity to etch their names in LPGA history. For Nelly Korda, it’s a chance to assert her dominance before the season’s first major. For the dark horses lurking just behind, it’s a shot to seize the moment and steal the spotlight.
Stay tuned, because this LA story is just getting started.
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