Jeeno Thitikul surged to a six-shot lead after the third round of the season-ending LPGA Tour Championship on Saturday.
Thailand’s world No 1 carded an eight-under 64 to reach a tournament-record 22 under after 54 holes at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.
The defending champion opened with a bogey-birdie start before settling into a dominant rhythm, collecting three consecutive birdies on the front nine and four more in succession on the back nine to strengthen her position at the top of the leaderboard.
The 22-year-old is aiming to secure the richest title in women’s golf for a second straight year, with the winner set to receive $4-million from an $11-million purse. She remains firmly in contention for multiple season honours, including the money title, the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average and the LPGA Player of the Year award.
World No 2 Nelly Korda of the United States, still searching for her first victory of the year, moved into a share of second on 200 after a bogey-free 65. She was joined by Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn, who also returned a 65 in a round highlighted by an eagle at the par-five 6th.
Korda said she was encouraged by her performance but acknowledged the scoring demands of the course.
“It was good. I probably left a few out there, but overall I’m very satisfied,” Korda said. “I’m going to stick to my process and focus on being present. It’s always going to take a low one out here.”
Jeeno, who held a three-shot lead at the start of the day, turned her round around with birdies at the par-four 4th, par-three 5th and par-five 6th. She repeated the pattern on the back nine, picking up shots from the 11th through the par-five 15th and adding another birdie at the par-five 17th before closing with a par.
“Every day we face different situations,” Jeeno said. “I think this is another situation that can help me achieve my goals in my career. I’m happy to be able to face it because that means it’s a good sign. We’ll see.”
Pajaree, the final qualifier in the 60-player field, compiled an eagle and six birdies against a single bogey. She described her eagle at the 6th as the product of a well-executed chip from just under 30 yards.
“It was 27 or 28 yards to the pin,” she said. “It was a good lie, the grain was fine, and it was just a great shot.”
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– AFP
Photo: Julio Aguilar/Getty Images
Article Link: Jeeno extends lead to six at LPGA Tour Championship