Angel Yin clinched her second LPGA Tour victory at the Honda LPGA Thailand, held from February 20-23, 2025, at the Siam Country Club’s Old Course, finishing with a remarkable total of 28 under par. Despite trailing Akie Iwai by five shots at the start of the final round, Yin maintained her composure and secured the win with consistent play.
Iwai, the promising tour rookie, showcased her talent and determination throughout the tournament, shooting incredible scores, including the course record of 61 during the final round. The intense competition caught the attention of golf fans, with Iwai describing the match as "exceptionally thrilling" and "intense." After her outstanding performance on the final day, she expressed her feelings about the closely contested match.
Yin emphasized her strategy of not succumbing to pressure, saying, “I felt the need to maintain focus, especially as the leaderboard tightened.” The back-and-forth between the two players reflected the highly competitive nature of the event, highlighting how both Yawi and Yin executed their games effectively.
The final day saw Iwai capitalize on her opportunities, with 10 birdies and one eagle, but she also faced challenges, including one bogey on the 17th hole. “It was truly unfortunate,” Iwai noted, reflecting on her performance. “But I stayed focused on my game, and it was incredible to compete at such intensity.”
Throughout the tournament, spectators witnessed breathtaking moments, such as Iwai's notable eagle finish on the final hole, which drew cheers from the crowd and showcased her fighting spirit.
Yin, who achieved scores of 67, 64, 64, and 65 over four rounds, felt the anxiety of leading but valued her experience during the challenging rounds. “The leaderboard volatility kept me on my toes,” she remarked, acknowledging the impressive scoring by her competitors.
The Honda LPGA Thailand not only showcased the remarkable talents of elite women golfers but also provided thrilling moments of sportsmanship and fierce competition, marking another successful event on the LPGA schedule. Other notable performances included Ryo Takeda finishing at 15 under par, and Yuka Saso placing at 12 under, adding to the strong showing by Japanese players.
After the event, Yang reflected on her experience: “It was nerve-wracking. Even with the comfort of leading, I felt the push from my competitors significantly throughout the tournament.”
With this victory, Angel Yin adds another prestigious title to her name and continues to build her career on the LPGA Tour, showing great resilience and skill, particularly during the final challenging rounds. Meanwhile, Akie Iwai’s record-setting performance not only highlighted her potential as an up-and-coming star but also reignited excitement about her future competitions.
Finalmente, the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament served as not just another event, but as a spectacle of exemplary athleticism and competitive spirit indicative of the growing prominence of women's professional golf.