May 26, 2025 – Mayakoba, Mexico
Japanese rookie Chisato Iwai delivered a commanding performance at the Mexico Riviera Maya Open, erasing a one-shot deficit to claim her first LPGA title with a six-shot victory on Sunday. The 22-year-old’s final-round six-under-par 66 propelled her to 12-under (276) for the tournament, matching the largest margin of victory on the LPGA Tour this season. In a historic twist, Chisato outpaced her identical twin sister, Akie Iwai, who finished tied for 16th, marking a milestone for the first set of twins to compete on the LPGA Tour.
Chisato entered the final round at Mayakoba’s El Camaleón Golf Course trailing third-round leader Jenny Bae. Undeterred, she ignited her charge with a blistering start, birdieing five of her first six holes to seize control. Her bogey-free 66 showcased precision and poise, finishing with a total score of 68-74-68-66. Bae, who carded a 73, settled for second place, six shots back, while no other player came close to challenging Chisato’s lead.
“I’m happy to win. I’m grateful for everyone here,” Chisato said after her victory, her voice wavering as she read a speech thanking her team, sponsors, family, and friends. “My mental [approach] is so calm, every day, every time. It was just calm. Good play.”
The win earned Chisato $375,000 and cemented her as the 20th Japanese player to win on the LPGA Tour, following compatriots Rio Takeda (Blue Bay LPGA) and Mao Saigo (Chevron Championship) as the third Japanese champion this season. It was also her first top-10 finish of 2025, a breakthrough moment in her rookie campaign.
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A Twin Triumph
The story of the Iwai twins has captivated the golf world. Chisato and Akie, identical twins born one minute apart, are the first twins to compete on the LPGA Tour, and their sibling rivalry is fueling their rise. Akie, who shot a final-round 70 to finish 10 shots back, was among the first to celebrate her sister’s triumph, rushing to the 18th green with a hug and a bottle of champagne for a celebratory shower. The moment was especially poignant given the sweltering conditions, with the heat index exceeding 100°F.
Earlier this season, the twins made history at the JM Eagle LA Championship in Tarzana, California, becoming the first twins to play together in an LPGA round. Akie finished second there, while Chisato tied for 11th—her best result until Mexico. Akie has two runner-up finishes this year but has yet to claim a victory. On Saturday, Chisato hinted at the competitive spark between them, saying, “I think my sister Akie would be motivated to get her own win if I win.”
A Star in the Making
Chisato’s victory was no fluke. Known for her unflappable demeanor, she credited her calm mindset for navigating Sunday’s pressure. “Just stick with my routine and my mental [approach] to stay calm,” she said, noting that she maintained the same approach “no matter how many birdies I had.” Her pink skirt, a lucky charm from her three wins on the Japan LPGA, clearly worked its magic again in Mexico.
The twins arrived early to soak up the local culture, a decision that seemed to relax Chisato before her dominant performance. The victory sets her up perfectly for the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills, Wisconsin, where both she and Akie are already in the field. When asked about her confidence heading into the major, Chisato flashed a smile and gestured with her hands, indicating a measured but growing sense of self-assurance.
Photo: Getty Images
Tournament Context and Implications
The Mexico Riviera Maya Open, held at the scenic Mayakoba resort, tested players with its challenging layout and intense heat. Chisato’s ability to thrive under such conditions underscores her potential as a future star. Her six-shot margin ties the largest on the LPGA Tour this season, signaling her readiness for the sport’s biggest stages.
For Akie, the result adds fuel to her pursuit of a maiden LPGA title. The twins’ dynamic—supportive yet competitive—has already drawn comparisons to other sibling rivalries in sports, and their presence is elevating the visibility of Japanese golf on the global stage.
As Chisato prepares for the U.S. Women’s Open, the golf world will be watching. Her combination of mental toughness, technical skill, and a lucky pink skirt makes her a formidable contender. For now, though, she’s savoring her first LPGA victory and the sweet moment of sharing it with her sister.
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