Mayakoba, Quintana Roo, May 25, 2025.- Chisato Iwai, the new jewel of Japanese golf, became the first champion of the MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba, with a brilliant fourth round of 66, six under par, to total 276 (-12), with a huge lead of six strokes over American Jenny Bae and seven over Korean Haeji Kang, who completed the podium with 282 (-6) and 283 (-5), respectively.
Thanks to all my team, my family (…) I loved the scenery of Mexico,” said Chisato Iwai in a press conference.
The 22-year-old rookie born in Saitama, had an inspired day at El Camaleón Course, where she shined from the beginning of the final round with seven birdies (holes 1,3,4,5,6,10,13), for only one bogey on the 14th.
In 2024 she had already shown her talent by placing 19th in the US Women’s Open and in December she obtained her LPGA card for the 2025 season in which, after eight events played, she achieved her best result to make her debut in the list of winners.
Throughout the competition, Chisato Iwai, one of 25 LPGA rookies this year, started with a 68 in the first round, followed by a 74 in the second, 68 in the third and 66 in the fourth. She is the third rookie to win a tournament in 2025. In this tournament, Chisato was accompanied by her twin sister, Akie, a minute older than her, who finished the tournament in 16th place at 2 under par.
The MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba distributed $2.5 million in prize money, of which Chisato Iwai took home $375,000.
“Thank you for visiting Mexico, the fans and volunteers at Mayakoba, G.S. Sports. I am happy to win and I am grateful for all you have done here. And thanks to my team, sponsors, family and friends. So I will give this award to many people and to the university. Thank you, it was a wonderful week,” said the emotional champion, who broke down in tears before mentioning a few words in Japanese to all her fans.
The 23-year-old American rookie, Jenny Bae, leader of the second and third rounds, failed to hold on to the lead by signing a final round of 73 strokes, while the 34-year-old Korean, Haeji Kang, climbed two steps to finish solo third with 5 under par. Five golfers tied for fourth place at 284 (-4).
Mexico’s Maria Fassi did not have a good end to the tournament, and in the final round she carded a 77, five over par, for a total of 295 (+7), ending her participation as the only Mexican in the full round. In the fourth round, Fassi only managed three birdies, in exchange for six bogeys and a double bogey, which left her in 56th place overall.
“The result was not what I was looking for, but I am happy because the things I can control and the things that are in me, I did them in the best possible way, I never gave up, and I am happy to have all the support of the people and to know that they are proud of my work. It has been a week with many positive things, so I don’t want to leave with a bad taste in my mouth, just because today things didn’t work out for me”, said the Olympic player in Paris 2024.
After this tournament, Maria Fassi, who is ranked 368th in the Rolex Ranking, will play her third event of the LPGA season at the US Open next week, hoping to have an outstanding performance representing Mexico.
“I leave with my head held high, it has been an honor and a privilege to play in Mexico. Now it’s on to the US Open, for me it’s a prize, it’s a lot of work to be able to get there. I think I’m in a good place in golf, there are a couple of things to fine tune and improve, we’ll see that from Monday to Wednesday with my coach in Wisconsin and prepare for another great week,” said the player from Hidalgo, who got her ticket to the US Open for women through the regional qualifiers.
Among other players considered favorites prior to the tournament, the Spanish , Carlota Ciganda, finished in ninth place in the standings with -3. Russia’s Nataliya Guseva was T26 with par. British Charley Hull closed in T32 with +1. And the Mexican-born Swiss Albane Valenzuela finished T57 with +7.
