At Mississaugua, round two delivered shifts, scares, and cheers as players fought for weekend ground. Mississaugua’s first crack at hosting the CPKC Women’s Open showed off quick greens, heavy rough, and a layout built that demanded patience while keeping eagles and birdies hard-earned.
Akie Iwai, fresh off her breakthrough in Portland, continued her strong play and aggressive style. It occasionally cost her. Even so, she closed the day with a steady 2-under 69 to build a three-shot cushion at 9-under, though afterward she admitted to leaving too many birdie chances on the table.
Leona Maguire, one of the most consistent drivers on tour, delivered several long-range putts to stay in contention despite battling with the flatstick at shorter range. Australia’s Minjee Lee and world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul joined Maguire in the chasing pack at 6-under.
And then there was Brooke Henderson. Even the winningest golfer in Canadian history can still look like she’s cramming for the exam, and Friday was a case study. Henderson, cheered on by the largest gallery of the day, turned in a 5-under 66 that vaulted her 33 spots up the board and away from the cut line that had been uncomfortably close. “I just wanted to get away from the cut line as fast as I could,” she said afterward, and did so with the casual urgency of someone checking their rearview mirror, then stomping on the gas. Any time Henderson’s name creeps near the top of the board on Canadian soil, the energy follows—loud, expectant, and full of possibility.
Stacy Lewis showed her veteran poise with a clever recovery from a penalty area to save par, while Sweden’s Linnea Ström nearly jarred an approach at 17. Young Canadian amateur Aphrodite Deng and Québec’s Maude-Aimée Leblanc brought local flavor to the pairings. Fifteen-year-old Deng cooled off after her electric opening round but still held her ground at 3-under, another reminder that the country's future talent isn't stuck on the bench or skating the second line anymore; she's already teeing it up under the spotlight.
For the weekend, the greens are smooth enough to make a Zamboni driver smile. Iwai holds the lead, Henderson is charging, and the leaderboard is the kind of Saturday puzzle that makes a national championship worth following. With narrow margins, a raucous crowd, veterans holding steady, and young guns pressing, the CPKC Women’s Open heads into the final 36 holes wide open and ready for a thrilling finish.
Round 2 Competition Highlights
Akie Iwai shot a 2-under 69 to take a three-stroke lead at 9-under par.
Canadian fan favorite Brooke Henderson made a massive leap up the leaderboard with a 5-under 66, moving 33 spots away from the cut line.
Maude-Aimée Leblanc, the Quebec native, who has battled injuries, made a clutch putt, demonstrating the progress she's made.
Leona Maguire, Minjee Lee, and Jeeno Thitikul are all tied for second at 6-under, setting up a thrilling final 36 holes.
Stacy Lewis saved par with a crafty shot from a penalty area, earning one of the loudest applauses of the day.
Linnea Ström nearly holed out at 17, showcasing sharp iron play.
Yan Liu posted a four-under round with excellent pace on the greens, moving up the leaderboard.
Shout Out
To Course Superintendent Jon Smith and his crew. They’ve crafted a course so pristine and playable, it continues to impress.
The Inclinator: Reminiscent of a mining cart that ferries players from the 15th green to the 16th tee. It isn't in use for the tournament, but what an incredible and unique feature!
Gear Notes
Brooke Henderson’s driver is so hot it might set off the sprinklers.