Top-ranked golfer Jeeno Thitikul establishes a 1-stroke advantage ahead of Americas' closing round
Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand surges ahead in Mizuho Americas Open
In the face of gusting winds at Liberty National Golf Club, Jeeno Thitikul, the world's second-ranked golfer, put up an astonishing 7-under-par 65 on Saturday to claim a narrow one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Mizuikho Americas Open in Jersey City, New Jersey. Thitikul's performance propels her ahead of Andrea Lee and Nelly Korda, leaving her at 14-under 202 through 54 holes.
Amid the stormy conditions, Thitikul confidently navigated her way, expressing, "I don't know how nuts I am playing out there with this strongest wind ever." Her game plan was simple: keep the ball on the fairway and green, acknowledging the challenge the day posed and the need for patience.
Celine Boutier, aiming for her first titles since her back-to-back victories at the Evian Championship and Women's Scottish Open in the summer of 2023, posted a 6-under 66 tokeep herself in contention. Boutier faced the brutal winds but credits her long putts for helping her overcome the adversity.
Nelly Korda, the defending champion, and Andrea Lee, who started the day as co-leaders, had a tough time keeping up with Thitikul's pace. Nonetheless, they managed to stay close, with Korda and Lee each shooting a 68 on Saturday, placing them two shots behind Thitikul.
While Somi Lee struggled with a 73 to slide seven shots off the lead, Korda's caddie, Jason McDede, tempered her expectations with the simple word, "acceptance." Korda accepted the inevitable mistakes, making one on the first hole (her only bogey) but bouncing back strongly.
Yealimi Noh carded a 5-under 67 to position herself within three strokes of the lead, with Spain's Carlota Ciganda closely trailing, following her third-round 69.
Threesome in tight battle at LA Championship
Somi Lee's disappointing 3-over-par 73 on Saturday pushed her seven shots behind, leaving Nelly Korda, Andrea Lee, and Lee tied for third place, all at -12. Korda's caddie, Jason McDede, reminded Korda of the day's challenges, emphasizing the importance of acceptance in the harsh weather.
Despite the setbacks, Korda held her ground, staying resilient, acknowledging that she made mistakes but bouncing back quickly to secure a solid day. As the final round approaches, the stakes are high for all competitors, with each stroke potentially making the difference in this thrilling tournament.
Thitikul's confident performance in the face of gusting winds at the Mizuho Americas Open has created a defi in the competition, as she leads by one shot going into the final round, with Nelly Korda and Andrea Lee trailing at 13-under 203. Meanwhile, at the LA Championship, a three-way contention is forming between Nelly Korda, Andrea Lee, and another golfer, Lee, who all stand at -12, three shots behind the leader. In both tournaments, golfers must navigate difficult conditions, with Korda's caddie, Jason McDede, urging acceptance of mistakes and the need for resilience.
