Olson takes two-shot lead at Evian major

Chasing a first major title for herself, and a first for American women this season, Amy Olson fired a bogey-free 65 to take a two-shot lead after the Evian Championship third round on Saturday.

Olson broke clear to post a 14-under 199 total after twice being in a fourway share of the lead at the sun-soaked Evian Resort Golf Club.

An eagle at the par-5 ninth first took her clear, and she added three birdies on the back nine to stretch her lead over Sei Young Kim.

“I really enjoyed (the nerves), that means I care, right?” Olson said. “It was fun to start solid with a birdie on the first hole.”

Canada’s Brooke Henderson fell out of contention after starting the day two shots off the lead. The 21-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ont., shot a 1-over 72 and is now 5-under for the tournament. Henderson is nine shots off the lead and tied for 16th.

Alena Sharp of Hamilton is tied for 39th at even par and Brittany Marchand of Orangeville, Ont., is tied for 62nd at 6 over.

Kim carded 64, flashing the form that set a U.S. LPGA Tour record 31under winning total at the Thornberry Creek Classic in July.

“The big goal is to win a major tournament. I wish I could,” said Kim, a seven-time winner on tour.

Mo Martin, a former Women’s British Open winner, was two shots back on 10-under.

A further shot back was a group of three players including Georgia Hall (68), who was a homegrown British Open winner last month.

Five Americans are in the top 10, seeking a first major at the fifth and final try this season and a winner’s check of $577,500. The year’s major winners have come from Sweden, Thailand, South Korea, and England.

Olson aims to learn from her previous majors experience playing in the last group today. In April, a 72 turned second place into tied for ninth at the ANA Inspiration.

Still, she said she learned then from watching playing partner Pernilla Lindberg win a three-way playoff after letting slip a three-shot lead.

Olson is also flourishing with her brother, Nathan Anderson, on the bag as caddie.

“Most of my golf memories do involve him,” she said. “Having a sibling be part of it is very special.”

The American challenge at Evian includes Ryann O’Toole, who made the biggest move on Saturday to be 8 under, tied for seventh. Her 63 was the lowest round this week.

Tight pin positions offset otherwise perfect playing conditions on a still, 24-degree (75 F) day on the hillside course overlooking Lake Geneva.