CHON BURI — Akie Iwai upstaged a star-studded field with a stunning 10-under-par 62 in the opening round of the Honda LPGA Thailand 2025 on Thursday.
The 22-year-old Japanese player, a rookie on the LPGA Tour, made 10 birdies in a flawless performance that matched the record low tournament score at the Siam Country Club Old Course.
"Everything worked well -- my driving, my irons and my putting," said Iwai, who covered the front nine in seven-under 29 and came back in three-under 33. She set the seal on one of the rounds of her life by converting a five-footer for birdie on 18 after a majestic wedge approach into the par-five.
On a hot and humid day when no fewer than 39 of the 72-strong starting field bettered par, it was Iwai, a six-time winner on the Japan LPGA Tour, who shone brightest.
Making her third appearance in the US$1.7 million (about 60 million baht) LPGA Tour showpiece, Iwai flourished.
Thai world No.2 Jeeno Thitikul is in contention after a 68.
Heading into Friday's second round, she holds a three-shot lead over Sweden's Maja Stark with Moriya Jutanugarn leading the Thailand challenge a further stroke back in sole possession of third place after a 66.
On the occasion of her 22nd birthday, world No.2 Jeeno Thitikul produced a storming finish to haul herself into contention in a share of seventh spot on four-under 68, alongside fellow-Thai Chanettee Wannasaen.
Jeeno, who was serenaded with choruses of 'Happy Birthday to You' as she made her way around the course, was even-par through 14 before discovering her touch with the putter, holing lengthy efforts for birdies at 15, 16 and 17.
After making an eight-footer for a fourth successive birdie at 18, Jeeno was presented with a birthday cake by tournament organisers.
"I've never had Happy Birthday sung to me so many times. I really appreciate the spectators making it here on my birthday, especially as it's so hot and tiring. But they still came and supported us. I really appreciate them and want to do well for them," said Jeeno, who is bidding for back-to-back victories having triumphed in a Ladies European Tour event in Saudi Arabia last week.
Moriya's sister, Ariya, the 2021 champion here, and Pajaree Anannarukarn are among those at two-under 70, while Patty Tavatanakit began the defence of her title with a hard-fought one-under-par 71, a score mirrored by Jasmine Suwannapura
For Iwai, who finished in a tie for fifth at the Final Qualifying portion of LPGA Q-Series to earn LPGA Tour Membership for the 2025 season, course management was a key to her bogey-free round.
"Knowing this course is important and not getting out of position. Having played in this tournament twice before, I've learned where to miss and where not to miss," said Iwai, whose big-game temperament is not in doubt, having had top-10 finishes in two Majors last year, The Evian Championship (tied 10th) and AIG Women's Open (tied seventh).
Teeing-off at 8.33am, Iwai stormed out of the starting blocks, reeling off four birdies on the trot. She added three more in succession from the seventh to reach the turn in seven-under 29.
After five pars in a row, Iwai picked up further strokes on 15 and 16. For her third shot at 18, she appeared to be blocked out by the over-hanging branches of a tree to the right of the green. Undaunted, the Japanese launched her ball high into orbit and saw it nestle close to the flag at the front of the putting surface.
Also enjoying herself was 25-year-old Stark, whose seven-under 65 included six birdies, an eagle and one bogey. "It was a lot of fun. It helps that it's my third year here. The greens are tricky and I think you learn to take more break than you actually see. It's very energy consuming, but hopefully I can keep it up and try to stay sharp," she said.
Nanna Koerstz Madsen, the 2022 Honda LPGA Thailand winner, was in a bullish mood after beginning her campaign with a five-under 67 for a share of fourth place. "It's always great to be back here. Brings a lot of good memories. I like the course. I think it's in amazing condition this year," said the Dane.
Three-time former winner Amy Yang of South Korea returned a 69, but fellow former winners Lilia Vu (76) and Anna Nordqvist (78) found the going somewhat tougher.
Thai amateur Pimpisa Rubrong produced one of the shots of the day, a fairway wood second shot to the par-five seventh that rolled within a couple of feet of the cup, from where she made an eagle. She ended with a 73, a score matched by American Gianna Clemente, the only other amateur in the field.
LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES
(par-72)
- 62 — Akie Iwai (JPN)
- 65 — Maja Stark (SWE)
- 66 — Moriya Jutanugarn (THA)
- 67 — Ko Jin-Young (KOR), Nanna Koerstz Madsen (DEN), Angel Yin (USA)
- 68 — Allisen Corpuz (USA), Im Jin-Hee (KOR), Gabriela Ruffels (AUS), Choi Hye-Jin (KOR), Esther Henseleit (GER), Mao Saigo (JPN), Jeeno Thitikul (THA), Chanettee Wannasaen (THA)