Jenny Bae's Remarkable Rise at Inaugural Mexico Event

LPGA rookie Jenny Bae has captured attention at the inaugural MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba, held at the El Camaleon Golf Course in Playa del Carmen. Bae, a Collins Hill graduate from the United States, birdied her final hole in an earlier round to card a 69, securing a one-shot lead heading into the weekend. Despite a challenging final round where she scored a +2 on the front nine, she finished the tournament strong, ending at -6 overall and securing second place, as reported on the LPGA's official leaderboard.

Bae's journey to this point is inspiring. The daughter of chicken farmers, her perseverance and skill have shone through in this event, marking her as a rising star on the LPGA Tour. Her performance has been a highlight of the tournament, drawing significant interest and admiration for her ability to compete at such a high level in her rookie season.

Chisato Iwai Dominates for First LPGA Title

While Jenny Bae's performance was noteworthy, the tournament ultimately belonged to Japan's Chisato Iwai. Iwai delivered a commanding performance, finishing at -12 with a six-shot victory to claim her first LPGA title. Her final round of 6-under 66 included five birdies in the opening six holes, turning a competitive field into a showcase of her talent. According to the LPGA website, Iwai earned 500 points and a prize of $375,000 from the $2 million total purse for her victory.

Iwai became the fifth Rolex First-Time Winner on the 2025 LPGA Tour with this win. Her dominance at Mayakoba underscored a remarkable rookie season, setting a high bar for competitors like Bae, who finished behind her but still made a significant mark on the event.

Tournament Highlights and Standout Performances

The MEXICO Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba saw several other notable performances. Hye-Jin Choi, Jiyai Shin, So Mi Lee, and Weiwei Zhang tied for fourth place at -4, while Kristen Gillman, another American, finished tied for ninth at -3. Aditi Ashok of India also made a strong push in the final round with a 69, securing a top-10 finish as reported by various sources covering the event.

This inaugural event not only highlighted emerging talents like Bae and Iwai but also showcased the competitive depth of the LPGA Tour. With players from diverse backgrounds vying for the title, the tournament at Mayakoba has set a promising precedent for future events in the region. As the LPGA continues to expand its global footprint, performances like Bae's second-place finish signal a bright future for American golf on the international stage.