"We Have Elite Genes"... The Best Active Family Golfers

Iwai Sisters Lead Rookie Sensation on the LPGA Tour
Minji Lee and Minwoo Lee Shine on the U.S. Stage
Thai Heroes Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn Combine for 15 Career Wins

You can't fool genetics, and golf is no exception. Around the world, family golfers are making their presence felt on various tours. This is the story of active family golfers who truly embody the phrase, "We are different."

The Iwai sisters, Akie and Chisato, are making headlines as rookie sensations on the LPGA Tour. These twin sisters debuted together on the U.S. stage this year. The younger sister, Chisato, was the first to claim victory, winning last month at the Riviera Maya Open in Mexico.

Akie Iwai (left) and Chisato sisters burst into laughter during an interview at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. Photo by AFP

The Iwai sisters are both accomplished players on the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association (JLPGA) Tour, with Chisato recording eight career wins and Akie six. In the final round of the LPGA Qualifying (Q) Series last December, Chisato finished second while Akie tied for fifth. This year, Chisato has achieved two top-10 finishes on the LPGA Tour, including one win, while Akie has finished in the top 10 three times. In the Rookie of the Year points race, Chisato is ranked third with 512 points, and Akie is fourth with 364 points.

Minji Lee and Minwoo Lee, Korean-Australian siblings, also possess remarkable genes. Last week, older sister Minji Lee became a major champion at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship on the LPGA Tour. This marked her 11th career win and her first in 20 months since the BMW Ladies Championship in October 2023. Minji Lee has now won three major championships, adding to her victories at the 2021 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2022 U.S. Women's Open. If she wins the AIG Women's Open in July or the Chevron Championship next year, she will become the eighth player in history to achieve a career Grand Slam by winning all four different major championships.

Minwoo Lee and Minji Lee are sibling golfers active on the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Minwoo Lee has claimed victories across the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has three wins on the DP World Tour and one on the Asian Tour, and in March, he secured his first PGA Tour trophy at the Texas Children's Houston Open. He drew attention by fending off a challenge from world number one Scottie Scheffler of the United States, winning by a single stroke.

There are also sisters who continue to perform consistently. Moriya and Ariya Jutanugarn, who have combined for 15 wins on the LPGA Tour, are prime examples. The younger sister, Ariya, made history in 2016 by becoming the first Thai player to win on the LPGA Tour at the Yokohama Tire Classic. She has since added four more victories, sweeping honors such as the Money Title, Player of the Year, and the CME Globe Race. Ariya has steadily increased her win total each year, now boasting 12 career victories, including two majors. Older sister Moriya is a three-time champion. In 2021, the two teamed up to win the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, a two-player team event.