MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — In a stunning display of form, Japan’s Akie Iwai carded a flawless 7-under-par 64 to take command of the leaderboard after the opening round of the CPKC Women’s Open on Thursday, August 21, at Mississaugua Golf & Country Club.
Iwai’s performance comes just four days after her maiden LPGA Tour victory at the Standard Portland Classic, signaling that momentum is very much on her side. “Last week I won, but it’s already in the past,” Iwai reflected, emphasizing her focus and disciplined mindset heading into this event.
Young Canadian Sensation Among Chasers
Hot on Iwai’s heels were a talented contingent of challengers, notably including 15-year-old Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng, who electrified fans with a stunning 5-under 66 — tying her with Megan Khang, Gaby Lopez, Leona Maguire, and reigning world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul.
Deng’s LPGA debut could hardly have gone better. She not only tied the clubhouse lead but also turned heads with her poise: two opening birdies, a bogey at the 15th, and two closing birdies on 17 and 18 showed remarkable composure. “I’m trying to hit each shot and play in the fairway,” Deng said afterward, revealing a calm and focused mentality unusual for someone so young.
Her caddie, club member Matthew Sim, lauded her confidence under pressure: “Unbelievable day. I have never seen the golf course taken apart like that — and by a 15-year-old.”
Field Recap: Top Scores from Opening Round
Here’s how the leaderboard looked after Round 1:
| Position | Player(s) | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akie Iwai (Japan) | -7 |
| T2 | Aphrodite Deng (Canada, amateur), Megan Khang, Gaby Lopez, Leona Maguire, Jeeno Thitikul | -5 |
Additional notable performances include Soo Bin Joo at -4, while Jenny Bae, Ariya Jutanugarn, Peiyun Chien, Jeongeun Lee (Lee5), and Mao Saigo all posted solid rounds at -3.
Insights & Quotes
- Akie Iwai: “I changed my mindset, to have good focus this week.” Her four birdies on the back nine proved decisive.
- Jeeno Thitikul, fresh off becoming world No. 1, said of her 66: “It was just like another day at work … but I will be excited and a lot of nerves out there as well.”
- Megan Khang, reflecting on a tournament where she triumphed in 2023, admitted returning to a familiar stage brings added pressure: “It’s always nerve-racking coming back to a tournament you have won.”
- Brooke Henderson, the top Canadian pro in the field, rebounded from a rough start to finish even-par 71: “We stayed gritty … grateful we were able to get it back to even.” Her strong finish earned her a tie for 38th position.
Looking Ahead
Akie Iwai looks to maintain her red-hot form heading into Round 2, but the challenge posed by rising stars like Aphrodite Deng — plus the consistency of veterans like Khang, Lopez and Maguire — promises a gripping week. With world No. 1 Thitikul lurking and Canadian hopes high, the tournament’s next chapter is set to be compelling.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent report produced by Fairway Queens. All information, statistics, and player quotes are sourced from publicly available media and official LPGA/CPKC Women’s Open communications. Fairway Queens does not claim ownership of tournament results, images, or player likenesses. All rights remain with their respective owners. This site is not affiliated with the LPGA, CPKC Women’s Open, or associated governing bodies.
