Chizzy Iwai shot 68 Friday to reach 13-under and trail by one at the JM Eagle LA Championship, staying firmly in contention entering the weekend.
Chizzy Iwai is right where every contender wants to be at the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro ... within striking distance and carrying real momentum into the weekend.
After opening with a dazzling 9-under 63, Iwai backed it up Friday with a 4-under 68 to reach 13-under 131 through two rounds.
That score leaves the Japanese star just one shot off the lead heading into Saturday, keeping her squarely in the spotlight as the tournament shifts into moving day.
The biggest reason Iwai remains near the top of the leaderboard is simple. She’s putting herself in position from the very start of each hole.
Her driving has been a major weapon at El Caballero Country Club, where strong tee shots are creating birdie chances and allowing her to stay aggressive with scoring clubs in hand.
That style fits Iwai perfectly. She’s looked comfortable attacking this golf course, and it showed again in the second round.
Even when every putt didn’t fall early, she stayed patient, kept giving herself chances, and continued to apply pressure with five birdies on the card.
That's often what separates contenders from players who slide backward after a hot start.
What’s especially impressive is how calm Iwai appears in the moment. Rather than getting caught up in the leaderboard, she seems locked into execution, rhythm, and trusting her swing.
That mindset could matter just as much as her ball-striking over the final 36 holes.
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Now the opportunity is clear. Iwai enters the weekend with form, confidence, and a score that gives her a legitimate chance to chase down her first win of the 2026 season.
If she keeps driving it well and continues to attack when openings appear, Chizzy Iwai could be the player everyone is chasing by Saturday afternoon.
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