Minjee Lee's Masterful Wind Play Opens a 4-Shot Lead at the Women's PGA
Minjee Lee's experience dealing with gusty winds paid off spectacularly at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in Frisco, Texas. The two-time major winner shot a bogey-free 3-under 69 on Saturday, pulling four strokes clear of the field into the final round.
Lee, who hails from Australia and resides in Texas, showcased her mastery over blustery conditions in the third round, becoming the only player to maintain a clean scorecard amidst swirling conditions. “I’m constantly practicing in windy conditions,” Lee confessed. Her skill with knock-down shots and ability to harness the elements set her apart on a day when winds exceeded 30 mph.
Starting the day three shots behind world No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul, Lee captured the lead with a decisive par at the 12th, following Thitikul's back-to-back bogeys. Thitikul's round of 76 left her trailing, despite her sole birdie on the tricky par-3 eighth hole.
The open terrain of Fields Ranch East, far removed from the tree-lined Sahalee course of last year's championship, amplified the impact of the relentless Texas wind. Nelly Korda, the world’s top-ranked player, labelled the conditions “just brutal,” battling through five birdies and five bogeys to sit tied for sixth.
Lee’s consistency was unwavering, going 7-for-7 in scrambling and punctuating her round with birdies at the ninth, 14th, and the bunker-encircled 15th. On her composure, Lee remarked, “A four-stroke lead feels really big, but I have to dig deep. This is major Sunday coming up.”
Thitikul, despite maintaining her position as one of the only two remaining under-par competitors, faced disappointments, including a three-putt stretch and a missed par on the 11th. Lexi Thompson, with a rocky start, found form mid-round to tie for third alongside Hye Jin Choi and Miyu Yamashita.
In an early round highlight, Grace Kim posted a day-best 68 to leap into the top 10, demonstrating the constant battles within the field. Meanwhile, veteran player Brianna Do thrilled with a hole-in-one on the 150-yard fourth hole.
As the competitors brace for another day of challenging conditions, all eyes will be on Minjee Lee to see if she can convert her lead into yet another powerful major triumph.
