Akie Iwai and Grace Kim both showed a flair for the dramatic in the third round of The Standard Portland Classic, leading them to the final group on Sunday.
Akie Iwai came into the third round two strokes back of the lead at -10, and didn’t get off to the best start with a bogey on the second hole. She responded quickly though, going -5 on the next five holes to firmly establish herself in control of the tournament.
On the back nine, Iwai made four more birdies without a dropped shot, including an incredible approach on 18 that gave her the final birdie of the day. In general Iwai’s approaches were spectacular, showing off the raw talent of the Japanese rookie. She sits at -18 for the tournament after a -8 64 on Saturday.
Iwai could become the fifth rookie to win on the LPGA Tour this season and the fourth Japanese rookie. She would join Miyu Yamashita, Rio Takeda and her twin sister Chisato, who is also currently in the top 10.
Contending with Iwai is major champion Grace Kim, who sits two strokes back. Kim has putted phenomenally but has struggled with her ball striking, especially off the tee. Kim hit just eight fairways Saturday, which is trouble at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.
The highlight of the day, and week, came on the 17th hole for Kim. She was in the rough with a bad angle and a worse lie, but somehow managed to hole the shot for eagle to get to -16. It was another addition in a series of recent highlights for the young Australian, looking for her third LPGA Tour title.
The other player with a solid shot is Sweden’s Linn Grant, who could become the fourth player from her country to win this season. Grant shot a -7 65 to get to -14, four strokes off the lead.
The final round of The Standard Portland Classic kicks off on Golf Channel at 4:00 est.
