LPGA Highlights: Rookie Twins Top the Leaderboard in Portland

When the LPGA traveled to Portland this past weekend, it was the rookies who stole the spotlight. No seasoned tour leaders hoisting trophies. Instead, it was first-year golfer from Japan, Akie Iwai, who lit up Columbia Edgewater with a 24-under 264, winning her first Tour title and rewriting rookie storylines by joining twin sister Chisato, who finished T3 at 19-under, in the Top 5. Akie also bagged the full 500 points in the Race to the CME Globe and gave future generations yet another LPGA Tour champion to chase.

Portland Classic Highlights

T2: The emerging Gurleen Kaur (−20) turned heads with a career-best finish.
T3: Chisato Iwai (−19), buoyed by her twin’s win, followed close behind.
T3: Linn Grant also rode a hot streak to the third spot.
5th: Evian champ Grace Kim reasserted her form with a solid solo-fifth showing.

Amateur Watch: Kiara Romero  delivered an impressive T7 finish, earning two LEAP points toward LPGA status.

Race to the CME Globe Meets Rookie Run Display

Current leaderboard as of now:

• Jeeno Thitikul – 2,204.95 pts
  
• Minjee Lee – 1,925.30 pts
  
• Rio Takeda – 1,692.12 pts
  
• Miyu Yamashita – 1,583.53 pts
  
• Hyo Joo Kim – 1,471.79 pts
  

With Iwai’s 500-point surge, the rookie conversation continues to light up the Tour. Minjee Lee, absent last week, watched from the sidelines as Takeda climbed the leaderboard. These next 11 point-paying events are crucial for shifting the CME Globe standings.

What’s Next?

The CPKC Women’s Open starts today, August 21, with $2.6M up for grabs. The full field of champions is entered and it could be anyone’s title. Thitikul, Minjee Lee, Takeda, Woad and more will try to make the cut and finish at the top of the leaderboard at Mississauga Golf & Country Club in Ontario, Canada. Rookie Miyu Yamashita is sitting this one out after winning the AIG Women’s Open along with $1.4M and 650 Globe points. Tune in at 1:09 pm CST to watch the pairing of Jeeno Thitikul and Lottie Woad make their way around the course.

There is still plenty of women’s golf to be played around the world in 2025, including next weekend’s FM Championship (Aug 28–31, $4.1M) followed by Kroger Queen City, Walmart NW Arkansas, LOTTE Hawaii, BMW Ladies, TOTO Japan, The ANNIKA, and the $11M CME Group Tour Championship at the Ritz Carlton in Naples, Florida. All will offer 500 CME/Rolex points in addition to $2M+ in earnings.

Betting Board Breakdown

Here are some solid bets to consider for the CPKC Women’s Open:

• Jeeno Thitikul – Consistent, at the top of her game.
  
• Lottie Woad – Rising fast. Never count her out.
  
• Minjee Lee – Another consistent player.
  
• Rio Takeda – Rookie grace under pressure. At the top of both CME and Rolex leaderboards.
  

Top 10 Anchors

• Grace Kim – Birdie machine, pressure-tested, always a threat.
  
• Lauren Caughlin – Last year’s winner. Cannot be overlooked.
  
• Nelly Korda – Seasoned veteran with 102 Top 25 finishes. Eighth in Globe points and hungry for more.
  
• Grace Kim – Always in the mix, a true competitor.
  

This Weekend’s Longshot

• Akie Iwai – Momentum and confidence, backed by youth, make her hard to ignore.
  

Parting Shot

Portland delivered a rookie blowout, leaderboard shakeups, and playoff momentum for athletes both established and new. As we roll toward the fall stretch and CME finale, each result, each birdie, and each finish reshapes the race. And these players show up ready to compete. With no repeat winner so far, the door remains wide open. Whoever rises to the No. 1 spot will take home more than bragging rights. She will take home plenty of cash, deserved recognition, and career momentum that will carry well into 2026.

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