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Akie Iwai Shoots 63 to Lead Evian as Nelly Korda Stumbles

Iwai’s bogey-free 63 on Thursday forces Nelly Korda to erase an early deficit to protect her career Grand Slam and Hall of Fame hopes.

Overview

  • Akie Iwai opened the Amundi Evian Championship with a bogey-free 8-under 63 to grab a three-shot clubhouse lead after round one.
  • World No. 1 Nelly Korda shot a 3-over 74 and sits well back, but a win at Evian would still complete her career Grand Slam and add the two LPGA Hall of Fame points she needs for induction.
  • Lottie Woad posted a four-under 67 to move into contention while former major winners Mao Saigo and Haeran Ryu were among the early movers near the top of the leaderboard.
  • The tournament features a 132-player field that includes roughly 23 of the top 25 in the Rolex rankings and offers a $9.1 million purse with $1.365 million to the winner.
  • With three majors played in six weeks and the Evian now wide open, weekend play will determine season momentum, Solheim Cup qualification points and whether Korda can mount a late charge for both a Grand Slam and Hall of Fame entry.