JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro Round 1

Chizzy Iwai delivered a historic performance on Thursday, April 16, 2026, carding a sensational 9-under-par 63 to seize the first-round lead at the JM Eagle LA Championship. Iwai’s objective was to capitalize on the calmer morning conditions, and she did so by tying the course record at El Caballero. Her round featured a blistering stretch of five consecutive birdies on the back nine, leaving her two strokes clear of the field. The opening session saw several big names struggle with the firm greens, but a few challengers managed to keep pace with the leader. Minjee Lee and Maja Stark sit in a tie for second place at 7-under-par 65, while defending champion Hannah Green began her title defense steadily with a 4-under-par 68. The session's primary narrative was the relentless consistency of the Japanese contingent, with multiple players featuring in the top ten. Despite some late-afternoon gusts that slowed the scoring for the final groups, the leaderboard remains tightly packed, setting up a high-stakes second round as the field fights to secure a weekend spot in Los Angeles.