In Belmont, Michigan, Lexi Thompson elevated her game in the Meijer LPGA Classic, securing a spot at the top of the leaderboard by finishing the third round tied with five other competitors. She achieved this strong showing by firing a 4-under-par 68, featuring crucial birdies on the 16th and 18th holes despite an earlier setback with a bogey on the par-5 14th hole caused by a drive into the water.
Reflecting on her performance, Thompson, who last tasted victory over six years ago, expressed, “It wasn’t my best day with the ball striking, but I managed to scramble effectively and maintained a positive and patient approach, which is vital.”
Standing at 11-under par with a total score of 205 at Blythefield County Club, Thompson shares the lead with Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Madelene Sagstrom, Sofia Garcia, Hye-Jin Choi, and Carlota Ciganda. Returning to the same course where she narrowly missed a win last year, losing in a playoff to Lilia Vu, Thompson is eager to grasp the opportunity this time.
“Everyone will be aggressive tomorrow,” Thompson contemplated. “Conditions should be favorable, making birdies crucial, so I’ll be targeting pins. I’ll try to enjoy the moment, embrace the fans, and aim for the best outcome.”
Although Thompson, a 30-year-old from Florida, has not captured an LPGA title since her victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic in June 2019, she is maintaining a limited schedule this season and is preparing to compete in the upcoming KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Texas.
Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who slipped in the final stretch with bogeys on the last two holes, relinquished a two-shot lead. She admitted, “Feeling the nerves now helps identify areas to focus on for tomorrow.”
Garcia, once leading at 13-under after 12 holes, stumbled with consecutive bogeys on the next three. However, she kept her composure and remarked, “I’m glad to have recovered and finished strong, especially with a good chip on 16.”
Choi narrowly missed capping her round with a birdie, failing to sink a 5-foot putt on 18. Meanwhile, Sagstrom, winner of the T-Mobile Match Play in Las Vegas, thrilled spectators with an impressive eagle-birdie-eagle during holes 4 through 6. She stated, “I’m inclined to play aggressively, and this course demands challenging shots.”
Trailing closely are Karis Davidson at 9-under following a 71, and Megan Khang, who along with Chanettee Wannasaen, Bronte Law, and Celine Boutier, is another stroke behind, each striving to make a final-round push.