BELLEAIR, Florida—Nelly Korda started with two birdies and finished the same way Saturday, making up plenty of ground along the way for a seven-under 63 that gave her a share of the lead with Lexi Thompson in the Pelican Women’s Championship.
Low scores ruled the day again at Pelican Golf Club, with 10 rounds at 65 or better.
Thompson did her part with a 65 that allowed her to join Korda at 16-under 194, with no shortage of contenders right behind them heading into the final round.
“I’ve been hitting it actually really close this week, giving myself a lot of opportunities,” Korda said. “Capitalized a little bit more today. But it’s going to probably take a low one tomorrow.”
Eight players were separated by four shots, a list that included defending champion Sei Young Kim (65) and long-shot Christina Kim (65), who earned a late sponsor exemption that all but ensured she would keep a full Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour card for next year.
Filipino-Japanese Yuka Saso, meanwhile, carded an even-par 70 to drop into a share of 17th place.
Saso, 20 and the reigning US Women’s Open champion, had four birdies but had two birdies and double-bogey 6 at No. 16 for a three-day 202, eight strokes off the lead.
Jennifer Kupcho was tied for the lead until she ended a streak of 45 consecutive holes at par or better by closing with a bogey for a 66. She was along in third, with Kim and Kim two behind.
Image courtesy of AP