This LPGA rookie shot 62 to open Honda LPGA Thailand, besting her twin sister by 10 shots

LPGA rookie Akie Iwai opened with a blistering 10-under 62 at the Honda LPGA Thailand, tying the 18-hole course record set by Yuka Saso in 2022 and Jessica Korda in 2018. Iwai, playing on a sponsor exemption, hit 13 fairways and 16 greens en route to a bogey-free day.

After birdieing the first four holes, Iwai started another birdie streak on Nos. 7-9 to open with a 29 on the front. She leads by three at Siam Country Club’s Pattaya Old Course over Sweden’s Maja Stark.

Iwai’s twin sister, Chisato, shot 72 in the opening round.

“I am getting to know the golf course very well,” said Iwai, who is making her third appearance in the event. A six-time winner on the JLPGA, Iwai competed in every major championship on the LPGA in 2024, tying for seventh at the AIG Women’s British Open.

As a rookie on the LPGA, Iwai has a goal of finding all the good hamburger shops in each town, though likely not this week.

Moryia Jutanugarn was the low Thai player in the field, opening with a 66. Jeeno Thitikul, who moved up to No. 2 after her win in Saudi Arabia, celebrated her 20th birthday with a 68, good for a share of seventh.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Rookie Akie Iwai cards record 62 at Honda LPGA Thailand, leads by 3