Chizzy Iwai delivered a masterful opening round at the JM Eagle LA Championship, posting a 9-under 63 to seize a two-stroke lead on Thursday at El Caballero Country Club in Los Angeles.
The 23-year-old Japanese player was spectacular early in her morning round, playing her first seven holes in 7-under par. After starting with a par on the 10th hole, Iwai rattled off five consecutive birdies before capping the stretch with an eagle on the par-5 16th.
"Good tee time in morning, so very peaceful and I feel comfortable," Iwai said. "I had a feeling so relaxing. I had a good feeling."
Iwai continued her assault on the course during her back nine, adding birdies on the first and fifth holes to complete a round that matched the lowest score recorded in the two years the tournament has been held at El Caballero.
Despite her excellent play, the ambitious Iwai had even loftier goals in mind during her round. "A little bit thinking 58 or 59," she said. "But golf is not easy."
The tournament is being held at the tree-lined El Caballero Country Club for the second consecutive year, serving as a substitute venue for Wilshire Country Club due to ongoing course renovations. This week's event serves as the final tournament before next week's major championship, the Chevron Championship in Houston.
Three players are tied for second place at 7-under 65: former UCLA standout Patty Tavatanakit, Sei Young Kim, and Suvichaya Vinijchaitham.
Tavatanakit recorded eight birdies against one bogey during her morning session. "My ball-striking felt really good," Tavatanakit said. "Just a solid day. Made a lot of putts."
Iwai's stellar performance continues what has been a successful period for the Iwai family on the LPGA Tour. She captured her first LPGA Tour victory at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open last year, while her twin sister Akie Iwai won the Portland Classic last summer for her maiden tour title. Akie finished second at El Caballero a year ago but struggled to a 70 on Thursday, playing in the group directly ahead of her sister.
Several notable players are well-positioned heading into Friday's second round. Lauren Coughlin, fresh off her victory two weeks ago at Shadow Creek outside Las Vegas, sits alone in fourth place at 6-under 66.
"I just feel very comfortable when I'm back here in L.A.," Green said. "Doesn't really matter if it's Wilshire."
Green has enjoyed a strong 2026 campaign with three worldwide victories: the HSBC Women's World Championship on the LPGA Tour, plus the Women's Australian Open and Australian WPGA.
At 4-under 68, Hyo Joo Kim and former UCLA star Lilia Vu are among the players six shots off the lead. Kim currently leads the tour with two victories this season, having won in consecutive weeks in the Bay Area and Arizona.
Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng also recorded a 68, while fellow amateur Asterisk Talley overcame an early double bogey to shoot 70. The 17-year-old Talley is making her first start since losing the lead on the back nine at the Augusta National Women's Amateur.
Defending champion Ingrid Lindblad opened with a 69, while former UCLA player Alison Lee matched that score in her first tournament following maternity leave in 2025.
With ideal scoring conditions present at El Caballero, Iwai will look to maintain her aggressive approach while the chasing pack attempts to close the gap heading into the weekend rounds.