Haeran Ryu of South Korea and Japan’s Mao Saigo are tied at the top of the leaderboard at 9-under after the third round of The Chevron Championship.
Ryu, who shared the lead after the first round, shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday, the low score of the day. She made one bogey and five birdies including four in a row from the 6th and scored nine straight pars on the back nine.
She hit 11 of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens on Saturday, with 28 putts and outdrove the field with an average driving distance of 288 yards.
“I try, again, to play in the final round because last year final round I remember is not good,” said Ryu. “But I learned for the more calm and more comfortable and more slow, and everything go to the more challenge for golf. But this year I want to, I wish more enjoying the course.”
Saigo shot a third-round 69 after firing four birdies and one bogey. She hit 14 of 14 fairways on Saturday, the most among the field, and 14 of 18 greens with 29 putts.
“I just need to focus on my golf game just one by one, and not only golf game but try to control my mental control, too, and hopefully I will win,” said Saigo.
American Lindy Duncan shot a bogey-free 70 and lies in solo third place at 8-under, one of just four players to go bogey-free. Sunday’s round will be Duncan’s first time playing in the final group at a major championship.
Sarah Schmelzel of the USA made two birdies and one bogey for a 71 and a share of third place at 7-under.
China’s Yan Liu, the 18- and 36-hole leader, scored four birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey for a 72 and moved down into a share of fourth place.
