LPGA Drive On 2022 R2
February 03-05
Crown Colony G&CC, Fort Myers, Florida
$1,500,000
Round 1, Round 3

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Marina Alex (USA) and Leona Maguire (IRE) are tied at the top of the leaderboard at 13-under, four strokes ahead of their competitors. This is only the second time in both of their LPGA Tour careers that they have held a lead or co-lead after 36 holes; at the 2016 Manulife LPGA Classic for Alex while Maguire led after the second day at the 2021 Meijer LPGA Classic. For Maguire, it’s only the third time since the 2021 Dana Open that Maguire has opened an event with two-straight rounds in the 60s.

LPGA Drive On 2022 R2

“Just been playing really solid, taking advantage of the shorter holes. My wedges have been really dialed in. Just staying really patient. I think that's been the theme of the last two weeks in general with the wind we've been getting,” said Maguire. “Taking your chance where you get them, taking the pars on the tougher holes playing into the wind. Sort of coming down the stretch 14, 15, 16, were a grind back into the wind, but felt like I had put myself in a good position early on to sort of relax on the last few holes.

LPGA Drive On 2022 R2

Maguire is aiming to become the season’s first Rolex First-Time Winner while Alex is hoping for her first win since the 2018 Cambia Portland Classic. Alex could become the fourth American to win an edition of the Drive On Championship, following in the footsteps of Danielle Kang (2020, Inverness Club), Ally Ewing (2020, Reynolds Lake Oconee), and Austin Ernst (2021, Golden Ocala).

“It's been an interesting journey since -- definitely since Portland, and probably even since Solheim. Pretty much since the COVID happened I feel like things haven't really worked out in my favor, both physically and with my golf game, so it's good to feel good,” said Alex, who has carded only one bogey through 36 holes at Crown Colony. “Knock on -- there is no wood -- but knock-on wood. And I worked really hard with Claude Harmon, my coach middle of last year, but then specifically like once the season ended working on some changes in my swing that I feel will allow me to be a bit more consistent, which I'm hoping just really got grind on that tomorrow.”

LPGA Drive On 2022 R2

Americans Stacy Lewis and Brittany Altomare both carded 65s and are tied for third at 9-under alongside Sweden's Linnea Johansson who posted a 69.

Lexi Thompson (USA) joins fellow major champions Jeongeun Lee6 (KOR) and Patty Tavatanakit (THA) in a tie for sixth at 8-under.

Overnight co-leader Nasa Hataoka (JAP) carded a 75 and slipped down into a share of 28th place at 4-under.

LPGA Drive On 2022 R2