Brittany Lincicome, who is chasing her first LPGA title since 2011, posted a one-under 71 to maintain the lead at the LPGA Championship on Saturday.
The American finished 54 holes at the Monroe Golf Club at 10-under-par 206, with former world No. 1 and defending champion Inbee Park and Norway’s Suzann Pettersen a shot back on 207.
Lincicome, who started the day with a three-shot lead, admitted the pressure of defending that advantage hit her shortly before the round began.
Photo: AFP
“Nervous was probably an understatement,” she said. “I was fine all morning. I got my 10 hours of sleep. Then ... it just wasn’t happening.”
However, Lincicome’s four birdies outnumbered her three bogeys. She said the nerves dwindled as the day progressed.
“Hopefully ... it’s kind of out of my system,” she said. “I kind of know what it feels like to be in this position and I will dominate again.”
Her resume already includes a major title at the 2009 Kraft Nabisco, but her last win came three years ago at the ShopRite Classic.
South Korea’s Park kept Lincicome in her sights with a third-round 69, while Pettersen, the 2007 LPGA Championship winner, posted a 67.
Pettersen powered home with four birdies on the back nine.
Park claimed the last of her four birdies at the 17th before closing her round with a par.
“I hit a couple of bad shots and kind of scrambled around today,” she said. “But number 17 and 18, dropping those putts really helped me for tomorrow [yesterday]. Three back is quite a bit different, so I’m happy where I am right now.”
South Korea’s Lee Mi-rim (69) was alone in fourth at seven-under par.
Taiwan’s Yani Tseng was on 216, tied for 32nd after a third-round 71, while compatriot Candie Kung, on 218, was tied for 47th after a 72.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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