EVIAN LES-BAINS France Brooke HendersonShe stood three feet away from the 18th green and made a birdie putt, giving her a three shot lead going into the final round.
She let her putting stroke down for the first time Saturday, possibly the entire week, considering her dominance of fourth womens major of this year.
To the astonishment of spectators at Evian Resort, Golf Club, Henderson missed it right. The Canadian couldnt believe what she saw. Most likely, she was also chasing down those who were hoping to catch her on Sunday.
Henderson, who was chasing her second major title after the Womens PGA Championship 2016, had to settle with a 3-under 68 in third round and a lead of two shots on 17-under Par — two short of the 54-hole tournament record.
Despite opening with two straight 64s, she is still strong. However, her missed putt at No. 18 could prove costly.
Henderson is the closest challenger to him. One and a player breaking new ground at a major.
So Yeon RyuSouth Korean major winner, Yong-Seo Kim shot 65, with three birdies on her final four holes. She was also alone in second place. She was the top-ranked player in 2017, when her second major win, the ANA Inspiration. Since then, she hasn’t been in contention for this long in any of the five biggest tournaments for women’s golf.
Two strokes back, 13 under was Sophia Schubert, ranked No. 283 without a top-50 finish in major. The American birdied four of her last holes for a score of 66 and was alone in third place in her fifth major appearance.
Olympic champion Nelly KordaThe third round saw Henderson start in second place. Henderson was three strokes behind Henderson. However, Henderson could only shoot even-par 71, the worst score among the top 20 current players. It was a warm day with only a few difficult pin placements keeping scores low.
Korda was at 11 under overall, six shots behind the lead, and in a five way tie for sixth with, besides, other top-ranked golfers. Jin Young Ko (67).
They were tied for fourth, five points behind Henderson. Carlota Ciganda(67) Sei Young Kim (68).
If the 2021 tournament ends in a positive way, Sunday has plenty of opportunities.
Minjee LeeIn the final round of last years tournament, she overcame a seven-shot deficit to Lee Jeong-eun, who was third-round leader. She then beat her in a playoff.
