Park stretches lead; Rosales stays at 25th
SOUTHAMPTON, New York – World number one Park In-Bee was the only player to break par in the third round of the US Women’s Open on Saturday, stretching her lead to four strokes over compatriot I.K. Kim.
Park, seeking a slice of LPGA history as she chases a third major title in as many major championships this season, birdied the 18th hole at Sebonack Golf Club to cap a one-under par 71 that gave her a 10-under total of 206.
Jennifer Rosales failed to recover from a second round meltdown despite hitting all but one fairway as she carded with a second straight four-over 76 and remained in joint 25th at 222, now 16 shots behind Park.
Rosales, who had an impressive three-birdie, one-bogey stint in the opener of the year’s third Major, finally hit two birdies Saturday after a birdie-less second round struggle but fumbled with six bogeys to finish with a 38-36 card.
The two-time LPGA winner dished out superb form off the tee but struggled in her approach shots, missing eight of the 18 greens while rescuing one par from the bunker.
“I’m just going to try to do the same thing that I did for the last three days,” Park said of her chance on Sunday to become the first LPGA player to win the first three majors of a season in which there were more than three.
“It will be a big day, but it’s just a round of golf, and I just try not to think about it so much.”
Kim, who trailed Park by two going into the third round, posted a one-over 73 for 210.
England’s Jodi Ewart Shadoff carded a two-over 74 and had sole possession of third place on threeunder 213.
American Angela Stanford (74) and 2011 champion Ryu So-Yeon of South Korea (73) were at one-under 215 through 54 holes.
“I think I played very good today, especially after the three bogeys,” Park said. “I came back very strong. I probably putted the best out of all the three days.”
Park said the windy conditions and some testing pin positions made for a difficult day – typical of a US Open.
“It was a very grinding day,” she said.