Akie Iwai, Lauren Coughlin, and Ingrid Lindblad share LPGA LA Championship lead

Iwai, Coughlin, and Lindblad tied at 17-under after third round at the LPGA LA Championship.

Akie Iwai of Japan tees off on the 13th hole during the third round of the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, California, on April 19, 2025. Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Japan’s Akie Iwai, American Lauren Coughlin, and Sweden’s Ingrid Lindblad head into the final round of the LPGA LA Championship tied at 17-under, after an impressive display of skill and composure at El Caballero Country Club on Saturday.

The trio now leads a crowded leaderboard heading into Sunday's final round, with South Korea’s Yoon I-na trailing by just two strokes and several top players, including Nelly Korda, within striking distance. The LPGA LA Championship, known for its unpredictable finishes, is poised for another dramatic conclusion.

Iwai surges with bogey-free 64 despite early morning scare

Akie Iwai’s third round almost started in disaster when she nearly missed her tee time due to a malfunctioning alarm. But the 22-year-old, who has six career victories on the Japan LPGA Tour, brushed aside the morning chaos to deliver a flawless, bogey-free 64. Her round began with a statement-making eagle on the par-five first hole, setting the tone for a day that saw her stay composed and aggressive throughout.

Despite playing alongside her twin sister, Chisato Iwai, Akie maintained a competitive focus.

"There was no change of mindset because she’s just another player, an opponent. But it was really fun. Really, really fun. A good experience," Iwai said post-round.

The LPGA LA Championship marks only her second appearance on the LPGA Tour, but she’s already proven she can contend with the sport’s top talents. Her performance on Saturday highlighted her combination of composure and sharp ball-striking, making her one of the most exciting storylines heading into the final round.

Coughlin delivers another bogey-free round to stay in the hunt

Lauren Coughlin, who is chasing her first LPGA Tour victory despite notable wins last year, continued her fine form with a six-under 66. The American opened her round with three consecutive birdies and held steady, demonstrating her ability to avoid costly mistakes.

"Only one bogey for the first three days, so that’s always really good," she said. "I made some really good par saves out there today and kind of in the middle of the round, when I kind of lost it there for a little while, was able to steady it and keep it going there at the end."

Coughlin’s performance is especially notable given the fast greens and strategic demands of El Caballero Country Club. Her consistency off the tee and control on approach shots have kept her at the top of the field all week.

Rookie Lindblad continues strong debut season

Sweden’s Ingrid Lindblad, one of the most highly anticipated rookies of the 2024 LPGA season, kept herself in the mix with a composed four-under 68.

"I think I just need to stay in my own bubble a little bit, don’t get too far ahead of myself," Lindblad said. "Obviously the goal is to win, but we can’t win tonight or on the first tee box tomorrow. So kind of just stay in the present and try to keep playing well."

Lindblad has shown remarkable poise for a first-year player, combining solid iron play with a sharp short game. Her ability to manage pressure situations could prove crucial in Sunday’s final round as she chases her first win on the LPGA Tour.

Yoon I-na shoots 64 to move into contention

South Korea’s Yoon I-na delivered one of the day’s best performances with a bogey-free, eight-under 64, joining the leaders as a serious contender. Sitting just two shots off the pace, Yoon’s round included birdies on three of her final five holes, demonstrating both stamina and shot-making under pressure.

With a strong pedigree on the KLPGA Tour, Yoon’s transition to LPGA events has been marked by increasingly confident play. A win in Los Angeles would represent a major milestone in her international career.

Korda, Takeda, and Lee still within reach

Reigning LPGA Player of the Year Nelly Korda also made her presence felt, carding a five-under 67 that included an eagle on the 16th hole. However, her round was marred by four bogeys, including one on the final hole that left her visibly frustrated.

"Obviously a little upset with my last putt on the last hole. That’s just really unfortunate," Korda said. "Other than that, I hit some really solid shots. Made some good putts too, but unfortunately did not make the last one. That stinks."

Korda, Japan’s Rio Takeda, and Australia’s Minjee Lee are now tied at 14-under, just three shots behind the leaders. Given their experience and firepower, all three remain viable threats to win the tournament on Sunday.

A crowded leaderboard promises dramatic Sunday finish

As the final round approaches, 10 players are within five strokes of the lead, creating one of the most tightly contested finishes in recent LPGA history. With optimal weather conditions expected for Sunday, low scoring is likely, and the margin for error is slim.

The LPGA LA Championship has already produced plenty of drama and standout performances. Whether it’s Iwai seeking her first LPGA win, Coughlin pushing for a breakthrough, Lindblad continuing her remarkable rookie campaign, or Korda staging a late charge, Sunday’s final round is set to deliver an unforgettable finish.

With so much at stake and so little separating the top contenders, fans can expect fireworks at El Caballero Country Club as the LPGA’s best vie for the LA Championship title.