Casandra Alexander will carry a three-shot lead into the final round of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open after posting a 3-under 69 on Saturday.

The South African reached 18-under on the Palmer South Course at The K Club, maintaining her lead despite a 45-minute suspension caused by heavy rain. Sara Kouskova is her nearest challenger on 15-under following a bogey-free 67.

Alexander Retains Control After Rain Delay

Alexander began the third round five ahead after rounds of 63 and 66. She played the front nine in 33, but six consecutive pars after the suspension allowed Kouskova to reduce the deficit.

A birdie at the short par-4 16th briefly restored Alexander’s advantage before a bogey at the 17th. The 27-year-old said the rain changed the pace of the greens and interrupted her rhythm.

“The suspension was definitely a momentum killer,” Alexander said. “The putting just felt a little different after all the rain. I was struggling to get the pace right on the greens.”

After five runner-up finishes this season, Alexander tops the LET Order of Merit. Ranked World No 38, she is seeking her first title of 2026 and a second LET victory, having won last year’s Tipsport Czech Ladies Open.

“Obviously the number one goal is to win,” Alexander said. “We’ve come second too many times this year. I just want to make sure I give myself as many opportunities as possible to get the job done.”

Kouskova Closes With Bogey-Free 67

Kouskova began the day five shots behind Alexander but made three birdies and an eagle at the par-5 7th. The Czech two-time LET winner completed her round without a bogey and will join Alexander in Sunday’s final group.

“I’ll try not to think about Alexander’s score tomorrow,” Kouskova said. “I’ll just try to put my own good score together.”

Kajsa Arwefjall produced the lowest round of the day, matching the week’s best score with a 9-under 63. The Swede made eight birdies and eagled the par-510th to reach 13-under, two behind Kouskova.

Maguire Moves Into Contention

Leona Maguire also shot 63, making nine birdies to climb into a tie for sixth on 11-under. Neither her score nor Arwefjall’s counted as a course record because preferred lies were in operation. Alexander’s opening 63 remains the official mark.

“She obviously hits it far,” Maguire said of Alexander. “She’s going to make a lot of birdies but we’ll try and make her sweat and see what happens.”

Swedish pair Louise Rydqvist and Corinne Viden share fourth on 12-under. Noora Komulainen joins Maguire in sixth after shooting 66 while battling flu.

The final round begins at 8.10am local time on Sunday, with the leaders scheduled to tee off at 11.58am.

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