The Honda LPGA Thailand 2025 tournament has seen significant performances from top players, particularly Hinako Shibuno and Amaya Iwai, during its second and third rounds at the Siam Country Club Old Course.
On Day Two, Hinako Shibuno started strong but quickly lost momentum. Teeing off from the 38th position, she managed to score one birdie but recorded three bogeys, finishing the round with a score of 74. This placed her at even par, landing her 50th overall. Reflecting on her day, Shibuno expressed her disappointment, noting, "It was really a waste of a day. From midway, my putting rhythm started to struggle." She explained the difficulty she faced with her swing timing, admitting it felt as though she had "forgotten" things she had grasped before the event, adding, "How to adjust was difficult during the round." Her statistics on fairway and greens-in-regulation, at 92.85% and 72.22% respectively, seemed promising, but Shibuno felt uncomfortable with her performance due to previous health issues affecting her concentration.
Meanwhile, Amaya Iwai shined on Day Three, showcasing remarkable consistency. She had maintained an impressive score with no bogeys throughout the first two days, but on the 45th hole, she recorded her first bogey on the ninth after her second shot went over the green. Despite this, she remained optimistic, stating, "But, it became a good experience." Iwai's performance was characterized by solid strategies, but she did express frustration with not being able to keep the momentum she had built. Seemingly fatigued from weeks of intensive play, she still managed to finish with three birdies and two bogeys, earning her another respectable score of 71, putting her at 16 under and second place overall.
Iwai articulated the pressure of competing at this level, reflecting on her preparations. She mentioned, "I'm able to hit the ball as I imagined," highlighting her growth and confidence amid the competition. This positive attitude is pivotal as she aims to close the tournament strong, especially considering the unique ranking points structure of the tour, where second place does not yield the same points as winning.
Both players have experienced their share of trials during the tournament; Shibuno is aiming to regain her form and perhaps shift her standings, whereas Iwai is driven by the prospect of not only finishing strongly but potentially clinching her first win. The tournament's structure draws from last season's top 60 players and invites 12 additional competitors, making every stroke pivotal for rankings and future opportunities.
With the final day approaching, both Shibuno and Iwai express determination to improve their standings. Shibuno mentioned her desire to secure easier birdies on the par fives, aiming to avoid regrets from this week. Iwai, conversely, looks to pivot from her slight setbacks and push for victory to secure her place. The excitement builds as fans anticipate how the final round will play out, with supporters from both Japan and Thailand invested in their journeys.
The Honda LPGA Thailand not only offers thrilling golf action but also narratives of resilience and ambition, as players grapple with the pressures of performance, all striving for excellence on one of the biggest stages for women's golf.