By Rolando Cronin 
The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open at Mississauga Golf and Country Club has already delivered drama, with Japan’s Akie Iwai surging to a three-stroke lead and England’s rising star Lottie Woad missing the cut in her first professional setback. Held from August 20-24, this LPGA Tour event showcases a star-studded field, including world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul and Canadian favorite Brooke Henderson. Let’s dive into the highs and lows of this tournament, exploring Woad’s journey, Iwai’s dominance, and what it means for women’s golf.
The CPKC Women’s Open: A Premier Stage
The CPKC Women’s Open, Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship, is a cornerstone of the LPGA Tour, drawing top talent and passionate fans. Hosted at the picturesque Mississauga Golf and Country Club in Ontario, the 2025 edition features a $2.75 million purse and a competitive field of 18 in-year LPGA winners. With Akie Iwai leading at 9-under after two rounds, the tournament is a showcase of skill, strategy, and resilience.
A Historic Venue
Mississauga Golf and Country Club, hosting its first CPKC Women’s Open, is the eighth venue to stage all four of Golf Canada’s premier events. Its tree-lined fairways and challenging greens test even the best players. The course’s beauty, as noted by Iwai, evokes Japanese layouts, adding a unique flavor to the competition.
The Stakes: Prestige and Prizes
With a champion’s purse of $412,500 and a field including past winners like Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson, the CPKC Women’s Open is a high-stakes battle. The event also supports community initiatives, raising funds for pediatric cardiac care through CPKC’s Has Heart campaign. This blend of sport and philanthropy elevates its significance.
Lottie Woad’s Breakthrough and Setback
Lottie Woad, the 21-year-old English prodigy, has been a revelation in 2025, but the CPKC Women’s Open marked her first professional stumble. After a meteoric rise, including a win at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, Woad missed the cut by one stroke, finishing at +2. Her journey offers lessons in resilience and the pressures of professional golf.
From Amateur to Pro Phenom
Woad’s 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular. As an amateur, she won the KPMG Women’s Irish Open by six shots and finished tied-third at the Amundi Evian Championship. Turning pro via the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway, she made history by winning the Women’s Scottish Open in her first professional start—a feat that had fans buzzing.
The Miss at Mississauga
Woad’s opening round of 75 at Mississauga was a struggle, with bogeys piling up on the challenging course. Her second-round 69, including three birdies, showed fight but fell one stroke short of the +1 cut line. It was a tough moment, but as Woad herself noted on Instagram, “Golf’s humbling—you learn and move on.”
What Went Wrong?
The tree-lined Mississauga layout demanded precision, and Woad’s first round saw her miss key fairways, leading to costly errors. Her putting, usually a strength, faltered under pressure, with several short putts left wanting. Despite the setback, her second-round recovery suggests she’s already adapting to pro-level challenges.
Akie Iwai’s Commanding Lead
Japan’s Akie Iwai, fresh off her Portland Classic victory, has taken Mississauga by storm, posting a 7-under 64 in the first round and a 69 in the second to lead at 9-under. Her calm demeanor and consistent play have positioned her as the player to beat, with a three-stroke advantage over Leona Maguire, Jeeno Thitikul, and Minjee Lee.
A Rookie on Fire
At 23, Iwai is part of a remarkable sibling story, joining her twin sister Chisato as a rookie LPGA Tour winner. Her Portland Classic win, where she finished at 24-under, showcased her ability to dominate. Iwai’s “no change mind, no change swing” mantra reflects her focus, even as she left birdie chances on the table in round two.
Mastering Mississauga’s Challenges
Iwai’s bogey-free first round included birdies on the par-4 eighth and ninth, setting the tone. On Friday, she navigated the front nine at even par before birdieing the par-5 13th and par-4 17th. Her ability to stay composed on a course she likened to Japanese layouts has kept her ahead of a stacked field.
The Twin Triumph
Akie and Chisato Iwai are making waves as the LPGA’s twin sensations. Chisato’s win at the MEXICO Riviera Maya Open in May inspired Akie, who matched her sister’s feat in Portland. While Chisato also missed the CPKC cut, Akie’s performance underscores their shared potential to reshape women’s golf.
The Field: Stars and Surprises
The CPKC Women’s Open boasts a world-class field, with six of the top 10 and 19 of the top 25 in the Rolex World Golf Rankings. From Jeeno Thitikul’s steady play to 15-year-old Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng’s stunning debut, the leaderboard is a mix of veterans and rising stars.
Jeeno Thitikul’s Title Chase
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul, tied for second at 6-under, is playing her first event since overtaking Nelly Korda. Her 70 in round two, with five birdies, keeps her in contention. Thitikul’s calm approach—“just another day at work”—belies her fierce competitiveness.
Leona Maguire’s Irish Grit
Ireland’s Leona Maguire, also at 6-under, is a fan favorite after her Solheim Cup heroics. Her second-round 70 included five birdies but was marred by four bogeys. Maguire’s experience on tough courses makes her a threat for the weekend.
Aphrodite Deng’s Youthful Spark
At just 15, Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng stole the show with a first-round 66, tying for second. Her second-round 73 dropped her to 3-under, but her poise—striding confidently to her shots—drew gasps from the Mississauga crowd. Deng’s story is one to watch.
Brooke Henderson’s Homecoming
Canada’s Brooke Henderson, the 2018 champion, rebounded from a 71 to a 66, sitting at 5-under. Her four birdies in round two reignited hopes of a second title. “I’m right there,” Henderson told reporters, her optimism resonating with local fans.
Comparing Woad and Iwai: A Tale of Two Journeys
| Player | Age | Score | Key Achievement | Challenge at CPKC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lottie Woad | 21 | +2 | Won Women’s Scottish Open as a pro | Missed cut by one stroke |
| Akie Iwai | 23 | -9 | Won Portland Classic, leads CPKC Open | Maintaining lead under pressure |
Woad’s youth and rapid rise mirror Iwai’s, but their CPKC performances highlight different stages of their careers. Woad’s miss is a learning moment, while Iwai’s lead showcases her readiness for stardom. Both players, however, signal a bright future for the LPGA.
Challenges of the LPGA Tour
The CPKC Women’s Open underscores the brutal competitiveness of the LPGA Tour. Missing the cut, as Woad and defending champion Lauren Coughlin experienced, is a reminder of the fine margins in professional golf. The tour’s depth means even top players face setbacks.
The Pressure of Professionalism
For Woad, transitioning from amateur to pro brought sky-high expectations. Her first-round 75 reflected the adjustment to pro-level scrutiny, where every shot is magnified. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” her coach told Golf Digest, emphasizing long-term growth.
Course Difficulty at Mississauga
Mississauga’s tight fairways and fast greens tripped up many, including Woad, Coughlin, and Rose Zhang (+3). The cut line at +1 was unforgiving, with stars like Lexi Thompson (+8) also falling short. Iwai’s ability to navigate these challenges sets her apart.
Pros and Cons of Rookie Seasons
Pros:
- Fresh energy and fearless play, as seen in Iwai’s back-to-back brilliance.
- Opportunity to make a mark, like Woad’s Scottish Open win.
- Media attention boosts visibility for young players.
Cons:
- Inexperience under pressure, as Woad faced at Mississauga.
- Physical and mental grind of a full LPGA schedule.
- High expectations can lead to burnout or disappointment.
Tools and Resources for Golf Fans
Want to follow the CPKC Women’s Open or start your golf journey? Here’s how:
- Watch Live: Stream on Sky Sports+ (Saturday, 9pm) or check CBSSports.com for U.S. listings.
- Track Scores: Visit LPGA.com for real-time leaderboards.
- Learn Golf: Golf Canada’s junior program offers clinics for beginners.
- Gear Up: Shop for clubs at GolfGalaxy.com or local pro shops.
For the best experience, subscribe to ESPN+ for LPGA replays or join a local golf club to connect with the community.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Who is leading the CPKC Women’s Open 2025?
Akie Iwai leads at 9-under after two rounds, with a three-stroke advantage over Jeeno Thitikul, Leona Maguire, and Minjee Lee. Her 7-under 64 in the first round set the pace.
Why did Lottie Woad miss the cut?
Woad missed the cut by one stroke, finishing at +2 with rounds of 75 and 69. Struggles with fairway accuracy and putting in the first round proved costly on Mississauga’s tough course.
What is the CPKC Women’s Open?
The CPKC Women’s Open is Canada’s National Women’s Open Championship, an LPGA Tour event held August 20-24, 2025, at Mississauga Golf and Country Club, featuring a $2.75 million purse.
How can I watch the CPKC Women’s Open?
Stream live on Sky Sports+ (UK) or CBSSports.com (U.S.). ESPN+ offers replays, and Golf Canada’s website provides broadcast schedules for international viewers.
FAQ
Q: What happened to Lottie Woad at the CPKC Women’s Open?
A: Lottie Woad missed the cut by one stroke, scoring 75 and 69 for a +2 total. It was her first professional miss after a stellar start to her career.
Q: Who is Akie Iwai, and why is she leading?
A: Akie Iwai, a 23-year-old Japanese rookie, leads at 9-under after rounds of 64 and 69. Her recent Portland Classic win and consistent play have her three strokes ahead.
Q: How does the CPKC Women’s Open impact the community?
A: The event supports pediatric cardiac care through CPKC’s Has Heart campaign, aiming to raise $2.8 million for McMaster Children’s Hospital and Trillium Health Partners.
Q: Can I start playing golf as a beginner?
A: Absolutely! Golf Canada’s junior program and local clubs offer beginner clinics. Check GolfCanada.ca for resources and lessons near you.
Q: Who else missed the cut at CPKC Women’s Open?
A: Defending champion Lauren Coughlin (+2), Rose Zhang (+3), Hannah Green (+5), and Lexi Thompson (+8) also missed the +1 cut line, showing the course’s difficulty.
Conclusion
The 2025 CPKC Women’s Open is a testament to the LPGA Tour’s depth and drama. Lottie Woad’s missed cut, her first as a pro, is a humbling moment in a promising career, while Akie Iwai’s commanding lead signals her arrival as a star. With players like Thitikul, Maguire, and Henderson in the mix, the weekend promises excitement. Whether you’re a golf fan or a curious newcomer, this tournament is a perfect entry point to the sport’s thrill. Catch the action, support the players, and maybe even swing a club yourself—the LPGA’s future is bright, and you’re invited to join the ride.