Leona Maguire just two shots off the lead in Canada

Leona Maguire found her putting touch and fired a five-under 66 to trail Japan’s Akie Iwai by just two shots at the CPKC Women’s Open in Toronto.

Just four days after her breakthrough victory in the Portland Classic, Iwai birdied her last two holes at Mississauga Golf and Country Club to open with a seven-under 64.

She leads by two shots from Maguire, Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng (15), Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, Mexico’s Gaby Lopez and 2023 winner Megan Khang.

“Last week I won, but already it’s in the past, already past,” said Iwa, who joined twin sister Chisato as a rookie LPGA Tour winner. 

The 23-year-old Japanese player finished second in Thailand in February and Los Angeles in April, then watched her sister win in Mexico in May.

“Really beautiful course,” said Akie Iwai, a six-time winner on the JLPGA Tour. “Looks like something similar in Japan course.”

As Women’s Scottish Open winner Lottie Woad shot 75, Maguire missed just one fairway and carded six birdies for her 66.

“Yeah, pretty happy about how I played,” the Cavan star said after a 25-putt round.

“Hit a lot of nice shots today. Hit a lot of fairways, which I feel like is key out here. The rough is pretty thick.

“I suppose holing out that bunker shot on the third hole, the par-three, that got the round going.

“Yeah, it was tricky in places. The wind really was up on the front nine, sort of 7, 8, 9, 10 played really tough. And then it was nice, the wind dropped off a little bit.

“I think we knew going out those holes were going to play long. I hit a 3-wood into 7; I didn't reach the green. 

“Kind of you knew pars were really good on those holes and to stay patient, there was a chances on the way in.

“So, yeah, overall, I'm happy with how patient I stayed.”

She was also pleased to get some fan support in Canada

“There are quite a lot of Irish in Toronto, so trying to get myself as high up the leaderboard as possible,” she added.

As for her game plan, she said: “Yeah, more of the same. I think a lot of fairways and greens. The greens are rolling really nice. 

“These are some of the nicest greens we've putted on in quite a while. Just keep giving myself chances.”