Haeran Ryu shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead over Brooke Henderson after three rounds of the Women’s PGA Championship, according to ESPN Golf. This marks a significant turnaround from the previous day, where Ryu had already set the pace with a 64, the lowest score of the second round.
A Day of Struggles and Comebacks
Ina Yoon, who started the day with a commanding five-shot lead, encountered difficulties early in her round and finished with a 3-over 75. She now sits two shots behind Ryu. Meanwhile, Dewi Weber, ranked 210th in the World Golf Rankings, made a late surge, birdying three of the final four holes to post a 4-under 68. Weber is now three shots back, joined by A Lim Kim.
Nelly Korda, who is attempting to become the first player in history to win three consecutive major championships, shot a 1-under 71 and is four shots off the lead. According to ESPN Golf, history suggests that being within four shots of the lead after three rounds is crucial, as the eventual winner has typically been leading or within this range in the past 35 Women’s PGA Championships.
The Greens: A Major Challenge
The greens at the Women’s PGA Championship have proven to be a significant challenge for many players, particularly for Nelly Korda. She struggled on the greens over the first three rounds, making only 7 out of 11 putts between 3 and 5 feet, ranking 65th among the 68 remaining players. This is a stark contrast to her performance at the U.S. Open earlier this month, where she was 19-of-20 from that distance over four rounds, per ESPN Golf.
“The greens are pretty slick,” Korda explained. “They don’t have too much grass on them. The short putts are pretty difficult. Putting in general, when it gets this windy, you have to calculate in the wind, too, and a gust here and there. Sometimes you just aren’t as confident with your lines.”
Ryu’s Stellar Performance
Ryu’s round was a mix of strategic play and clutch moments. She started the day strong, playing the first seven holes in 4 under, including a 28-foot eagle putt on No. 7 and a birdie putt on No. 9 that rimmed around three-quarters of the hole before falling. However, she faced some challenges on the back nine, finishing 1 over for those holes. Despite this, her 68 tied for the lowest round of the day, following her 64 from Friday, which was the lowest score of the second round, according to ESPN Golf.
What’s Next?
With Ryu leading by one shot heading into the final round, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Women’s PGA Championship. Fans will be watching closely to see if Ryu can maintain her composure and secure the win, especially given the pressure from top players like Brooke Henderson and Nelly Korda. The tricky greens and unpredictable winds will continue to pose challenges, making every shot crucial. Stay tuned for the final round to see who will emerge victorious in this prestigious tournament.
