By: Max Bechtoldt
Lydia Ko’s incredible start to the season is continuing at the Blue Bay LPGA in China, as she shot a -6 66 to get into a three-way tie for the lead with Bailey Tardy and Sarah Schmelzel.
As is usually the case with Ko, she was powered by an incredible short game. Despite missing six greens for the second day in a row, she rallied having only 24 putts, which was helped by her incredible touch with her wedges.
Ko is looking for her second win in only four starts, and her third top-two finish. The two-time LPGA Player of the Year is in pole position to get another of those trophies. If Ko wins, she also gets LPGA Hall of Fame status, reaching the 27 needed career points. Ko would be just the 35th member in the exclusive group.
Tardy had a much cleaner scorecard than Ko, hitting 14 greens and not having an over-par score on the card. She had four birdies and one eagle and putted well with 27 on the round. If her putter is in good form she is a favorite to win.
Schmelzel stuck to the same consistent play that has led her to success this week. She keeps hitting fairways, hitting greens and putting solidly. She has had just three bogeys all week. A second consecutive top 10, and potentially a win, could put her in a nice spot for a possible Solheim Cup selection for the first time.
The final round of the Blue Bay LPGA starts at 11:00 P.M. est. on Golf Channel and Peacock.
