THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Haeran Ryu delivered an impressive performance at the Chevron Championship, highlighted by a stunning chip-in birdie on the ninth hole. Battling challenging wind conditions on Saturday, she managed to clinch a share of the third-round lead with Mao Saigo. This milestone event is the first major tournament of the year for women being held at The Club at Carlton Woods.
Navigating the gusty, sunny conditions, Ryu achieved a solid 4-under 68, complemented by Saigo’s round of 69. Both players are now positioned at 9-under 207 after three rounds. Ryu remarked on the difficulty of the day stating, “The back nine was extremely challenging due to the intensifying wind and the tough pin positions.” She described her putts as being near-misses but managed to secure pars consistently.
Ryu’s journey in the tournament began with an impressive 65, sharing the lead after Thursday’s round with Yan Liu, but a subsequent round of 74 saw her trailing by two shots. The South Korean, who boasts two LPGA Tour victories, regained her form with birdies at holes No. 4, followed by a series of four consecutive birdies on holes Nos. 6-9.
As for Saigo, the 23-year-old Japanese rookie of the year last season is yet to claim a win on the LPGA Tour. With a focus on maintaining her composure and mental game, she skillfully parred the final five holes. Notably, she chipped in for birdies on both the par-5 13th and the 6th, expressing, “The course conditions were challenging for making birdies, so I feel fortunate with the results.”
Lindy Duncan is a mere stroke behind after carding a 70, while Sarah Schmelzel registered a 71 to tie with Liu at 7 under. Duncan, in pursuit of her first LPGA win at 34, acknowledged the pressure and prestige of the event, describing it as the “biggest stage” offering the “toughest tests.”
Yan Liu, who entered the weekend with a one-shot lead, faltered with a double bogey on the 17th hole, played into the wind. Her short approach landed in a bunker, and she faced difficulty from the rough, culminating in her falls from the top spot.
Meanwhile, Lexi Thompson is part of the group at 6 under after her 70-round. The seasoned Florida player took a break from full-time play after the previous season, having won the event when it was known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2014. “I’m eager for tomorrow and hopeful for a strong performance,” said Thompson.
Nelly Korda, the defending champion and top-ranked player, is tied for 31st at even par. Her round was marred by consecutive double bogeys, resulting in a 71. Currently winless for the season, Korda’s last victory marked an impressive record of five consecutive wins.