BELLEAIR, Fla. — Allisen Corpsuz is wrapping up a solid rookie season on the LPGA Tour. Now, the native of Hawaii has a chance at the Pelican Women’s Championship.
Corpuz made four birdies on a six-hole stretch during her second round Saturday. She also had another 5-under 64, giving her a one stroke lead heading into the final round.
Corpuz is closely followed by a group top contenders. This makes Corpuzs one-shot lead seem even smaller.
Maja Stark from Sweden, who played at Oklahoma State, was a star and earned LPGA Tour membership. She also won a co-sanctioned victory in Northern Ireland this summer. Maja had eight birdies at Pelican, none on the par 5,s, for a total of 63.
She was just one shot behind Lexi Thompson (67), and Maria Fassi (69) from Mexico. Maria Fassi followed her career-best score of 62 with a hard-earned score of 69, which put the 24-year-old in a position to win for first time and qualify the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.
Corpuz was twice an All-American at Southern California, and a Curtis Cup golfer. She didnt make a birdie until the ninth hole.
She was at 10-under130.
Due to heavy rain from Tropical Storm Nicole, the tournament was cut short to 54 holes.
The Pelican Women’s Championship is the final event in the CME Race to the Globe for the top 60 players to qualify for the final event. It has a $7million purse and a record $2,000,000 for the winner.
Fassi is No. Fassi is at No. 72 and requires a strong week in order to advance. She was in a three way tie for second going into round four, which would have been enough.
There are many players in contention.
Two shots behind the lead were Nelly Korda (66), and Carlota Ciganda (68). Four shots separated twelve players going into the final round.
I believe that I must play good golf tomorrow to be at the top. Fassi stated that it doesnt matter whether youre in the last group or a few ahead. I think that if you have a good round, then thats all you can do. Im just happy to be in contention. Im happy that we are having this conversation.
Lydia Ko was the last one to go, playing her final 11 holes at even par and having to settle for a score of 69. She was seven shots behind the 26 other players. Ko could have been named LPGA Player Of The Year with a victory.
It all begins with Corpuz trying to win her first victory in her rookie season.
Corpuz stated, Just had a good season so far and kinda want to end this season on a high note. Trying to position myself for tomorrow, and yeah, really happy that Im where I am.
Thompson and Korda are yet to win the LPGA Tour this Year — Thompson has been suffering from drought for three years. Both were victorious on the Saudi-funded Aramco Team Series for the Ladies European Tour, Korda in Spain and Thompson, New York.
They were part of a three-way playoff at Pelican last year that Korda won with birdies. Now, its a sprint to victory with a mix rookies and major champions.
Experience is important, but golf is a crazy game. Thompson stated that anyone can enjoy their day out on the course and bring their best, Thompson said. Its all you need to know. Every day is different. There are so many talented players out there. You need to play your best game every single time you tee it off.
