Chisato Iwai entered the final round at the LPGA’s Mexico Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba one shot behind 54-hole leader Jenny Bae but quickly ensured Sunday would be her day.
The Japanese rookie birdied five of her first six holes on Sunday to take control of the tournament en route to shooting a final-round 66 that allowed her to coast to a six-shot win. That six-shot margin matches the largest margin of victory this season on the LPGA.
“My mental [approach] is so calm, every day, every time,” Iwai said after her victory. “It was just calm. Good play.”
Chisato wasn’t the only Iwai in the field as her identical twin sister, Akie, shot a final-round 70 and finished in a tie for 16th place.
Akie Iwai has two runner-up finishes this season, but her sister got into the winner’s circle first thanks to Sunday’s dominant performance.
Akie was there to douse her sister on the 18th green after the win, but Chisato expects her maiden LPGA win to light an even bigger fire under her sister to try and match her early-career achievement.
“I think my sister Akie would be motivated to get her own win if I win,” Chisato said on Saturday after her third round.
Prior to Sunday’s win, Chisato’s best finish was a tie for 11th at the JM Eagle LA Championship. The victory in Mexico comes at the perfect time for Chisato, who will head to the U.S. Women’s Open next week, along with her sister, with a boost in confidence and a hefty dose of momentum.
Chisato, who finished in a tie for 19th at last year’s U.S. Women’s Open, was asked if the win at Mayakoba makes her feel better going into the year’s second major. She smiled and made a gesture with her hands, leaving room in between to signal her growth in confidence heading into Erin Hills.
