By: Max Bechtoldt
Sarah Schmelzel, Carlota Ciganda and Hyo Joo Kim share a three-way lead going into the final round at the Ford Championship, but a host of LPGA superstars are nipping at their heels.
Day three of the Ford Championship was a battle. Entering Saturday the lead was at -14 held by Hannah Green. At the end of the day, that lead had only moved one stroke to -15. The high scores were caused by the incredible wind gusts felt throughout the afternoon.
Kim and Schmelzel were both in solid position entering the day, and played just well enough to hold a share of the lead. For Schmelzel, this has become the norm, as its her second 54-hole lead in the last three events. Schmelzel is originally from Phoenix and still makes the area her home.
Kim had the strongest day of the afternoon tee times, shooting a steady as usual -3. While other players made big scores, Kim didn’t have a single bogey and finished with 14 pars.
Major champions Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko, Yuka Saso and Sei Young Kim are all within three strokes, so the final group definitely has to earn it on Sunday.
Tee times will be moved up tomorrow because of potential bad weather, so coverage starts on Peacock at 4:30 est.
