Iwai Wins Portland Classic for First LPGA Victory in Rookie Year

Akie Iwai strengthened her breakout season on the LPGA Tour with a four-stroke victory at the Portland Classic, closing at 24-under 264 after a six-under 66 in the final round at Edgewater Country Club. The 23-year-old Japanese player became a first-time LPGA winner in her rookie year, joining her twin sister Chisato as winners on the U.S. circuit. The triumph continued a season in which Japanese players have dominated headlines, with Iwai saying the success of fellow countrywomen pushed her to perform at her best.

Iwai began Sunday with a two-shot cushion and never wavered, carding back-to-back birdies at the fifth and sixth holes, then adding more birdies at 11 and 14. She saved par from off the green at the 16th, and capped her day with another birdie brace, including a curling birdie putt from 18 feet at the 18th. “Today I was able to conquer myself,” Iwai said after finishing atop the leaderboard. The final round also featured pressure from Chisato, who began the day seven behind but surged with eagles at the fifth and seventh and a late burst of birdies, finishing among those tied for third at 19-under 269. American Gurleen Kaur, bogey-free for a 65, finished second at...