Nelly Korda storms into share of U.S. Women's Open lead as Charley Hull closes gap
Korda birdied the last three holes to hit the front, while Hull fired a low round of the day to move within three at Riviera.
Position | Player | Country | Total | R3 Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
T1 | Nelly Korda | United States | -6 | 67 (-4) |
T1 | Sei-Young Kim | South Korea | -6 | 68 (-3) |
T3 | In-Gee Chun | South Korea | -5 | 69 (-2) |
T3 | Jennifer Kupcho | United States | -5 | 69 (-2) |
T5 | Nasa Hataoka | Japan | -4 | 68 (-3) |
T5 | Gaby López | Mexico | -4 | 70 (-1) |
T5 | Ruoning Yin | China | -4 | 71 (E) |
T8 | Andrea Lee | United States | -3 | 72 (+1) |
T8 | Hye-Jin You | South Korea | -3 | 71 (E) |
T8 | Charley Hull | England | -3 | 65 (-6) |
Nelly Korda surged into a tie for the lead after an impressive third-round 67 at the U.S. Women's Open, setting up a thrilling final day at Riviera Country Club in California.
Korda, who began the day several shots adrift, produced a composed four-under-par round highlighted by a superb finish.
The world number one birdied the last three holes for a round of 67 to move into a share of the lead on six-under-par.
Joining her at the summit is South Korea's Sei-Young Kim, who carded a 68 to maintain her challenge heading into Sunday's finale.
England's Charley Hull also thrust herself firmly into major contention after recording the lowest round of the day. Hull produced a brilliant seven-under 65, mixing seven birdies with just one dropped shot to climb to three-under-par, leaving her only three shots off the lead.
"I kind of like chasing," said Hull, who is seeking her first major title.
"I just find it more fun and I can then be free and just play golf how I want to play golf."
Korda arrives at the final round seeking her first U.S. Women's Open title after narrowly missing out with a runner-up finish last year.
The American already has one major to her name this season following victory at the Chevron Championship in April, which marked her third career major win.
Having opened her week with a disappointing 73, Korda has responded in style with back-to-back rounds of 67 to put herself in prime position for a maiden U.S. Women's Open crown.
"Last year I really, really wanted it," Korda said.
"Sometimes when you want something too much, you can get a little tense and nervous.
"I play my best golf when I'm relaxed, enjoying myself and having fun out there. That's the mindset I'll take into tomorrow."
Just one shot behind the co-leaders are Jennifer Kupcho and South Korea's In-Gee Chun on five-under-par after both signed for 69s.
Kupcho, who led after the opening round, remains well placed and is focused solely on her own performance heading into the final 18 holes.
"I can't control what anyone else is doing," she said.
"All I can do is go out there, play my best golf and see where that leaves me."
With several big names still in the hunt and just a handful of shots separating the leading contenders, the stage is set for an enthralling conclusion to the second women's major championship of the season.
Andy Roberts first joined GolfMagic on a month's work experience back in April 2011.
Andy then assumed the role of GolfMagic Editor in 2015.
