Twin Magic in Portland: Akie Iwai Joins Sister Chisato as LPGA Tour Winners

Golf fans just witnessed something that doesn’t happen every day—a pair of twin sisters carving their names into LPGA Tour history. Akie Iwai, the 23-year-old Japanese golfer, delivered a masterclass performance at the Standard Portland Classic, sealing her first-ever LPGA victory with a sparkling bogey-free round of 66. To make it even sweeter, her twin sister Chisato, already a winner earlier this season, was right there on the green to celebrate the moment with champagne showers.

A Storybook Finish

The tournament’s final round had the perfect Hollywood ending. Akie, steady as ever, rolled in birdies on her last two holes, including a confident 18-foot putt on 18. As the ball dropped, the crowd roared, and suddenly, there was Chisato sprinting onto the green, popping a champagne bottle, and soaking her twin in bubbly glory. It wasn’t just about a golf win—it was about family, hard work, and a dream that started years ago in Japan now becoming reality on golf’s biggest stage.

Key Highlights from Akie’s Win:

• Scorecard Perfection: 6-under 66 on the final day.

• Tournament Total: A jaw-dropping 24-under 264.

• Finishing Touch: Birdies on both 17 and 18.

• Bogey-Free Beauty: Not a single slip in her last round.

From Japan Stardom to LPGA Breakthrough

Akie wasn’t a stranger to success before this victory. Back home on the JLPGA Tour, she had already racked up six wins. But breaking through on the LPGA Tour is a whole different challenge. This season, she had already shown flashes of brilliance, with runner-up finishes in Thailand (February) and Los Angeles (April). She watched her sister Chisato take home a trophy in May at Mayakoba, and perhaps that lit the fire she needed. Now, she’s got her own LPGA title to flaunt.

Her own words summed it up best:

“This is a special year for us,” Akie said, glowing after the win.

And it wasn’t just special for the sisters—it was emotional for the whole family. Akie admitted that seeing her mom cry while watching the victory unfold made her heart swell.

Sisters in History

With Akie’s victory, the Iwai twins joined a very exclusive club. They became the fourth pair of sisters in LPGA history to both register wins:

• Jessica & Nelly Korda

• Ariya & Moriya Jutanugarn

• Annika & Charlotta Sorenstam

• And now, Akie & Chisato Iwai

That’s legendary company to keep.

A Year of Japanese Domination

It’s also impossible to ignore the wave of Japanese talent making noise on tour this season. Akie became the fifth Japanese winner in 2025, following in the footsteps of Chisato Iwai, Rio Takeda, Mao Saigo, and Miyu Yamashita.

As Akie herself put it:

“So many Japanese players this year won—it really inspired me.”

This isn’t just a moment for the Iwai sisters; it’s part of a bigger surge of Japanese excellence in women’s golf.

The Runner-Ups and Rising Stars

Of course, while Akie claimed the spotlight, others put on some brilliant performances at Columbia Edgewater:

• Gurleen Kaur (USA): Shot a career-best finish, coming in second with a 65. She was buzzing after the round:

  “I think it’s super exciting. We’re playing in Canada next week with a stronger field, so I’m really looking forward to carrying this momentum.”

• Chisato Iwai (Japan): Not content to just cheer for her sister, she fired a 64 on Sunday to tie for third, just five strokes back. Twin competitiveness never rests.

• Linn Grant (Sweden): Closed with a steady 67 to join Chisato at 19-under.

• Grace Kim (Australia): Wrapped things up at 18-under after a tougher 70 in the final round.

And then, there was one name that might just be the future of women’s golf.

Kiara Romero: A Star in the Making

Amidst all the pros, one amateur managed to grab headlines too. Kiara Romero, a University of Oregon standout, put on a dazzling show in her very first LPGA start. She shot a 64 to finish tied for seventh at 16-under. For a college player, that’s an introduction you don’t forget.

Her résumé already includes a 2023 U.S. Girls’ Junior championship and the 2025 Big Ten title. But this performance may have been her biggest statement yet.

Kiara couldn’t hide her excitement:

“It feels great to play really well in my first LPGA event. It gives me so much confidence going into the school year. Having all the Ducks fans out here cheering me on—it meant the world.”

If this was just the beginning, the women’s game may have just discovered its next breakout star.

Portland Classic: A Tournament with Tradition

It’s worth noting that the Standard Portland Classic isn’t just any tournament. It’s one of the most storied stops on the LPGA Tour, dating back to 1972. Aside from the majors, it holds the honor of being the longest-running continuous event on the schedule. Year after year, it has been a proving ground for champions—and now, the Iwai twins have etched their names into its history.

The Bigger Picture: What This Win Means

Akie’s win wasn’t just another LPGA victory—it was layered with meaning:

• Family Triumph: A twin sister duo both winning in their rookie seasons is rare and inspirational.

• Cultural Impact: Japanese golf is riding a major wave, proving the country’s depth of talent.

• Future of the Tour: With rising stars like Romero and consistent performers like Grant, Kim, and Kaur, the competition just keeps getting stronger.

But perhaps the most beautiful part was watching the raw emotion spill over—the champagne, the hugs, the tears from family. Sports rarely give us moments this pure, and Portland got one that fans won’t forget anytime soon.

Final Thoughts

Akie Iwai’s victory is one of those stories that goes beyond the leaderboard. It’s about resilience, inspiration, and the unique bond of family. It’s about a young golfer who grew up dreaming of the LPGA, battled through runner-up finishes, and finally found her moment to shine—with her sister right there cheering her on.

And if you’re a fan of golf—or just a fan of sports stories that hit the heart—you couldn’t have asked for a better ending.