CADDYKNACK
Sophia’s way out in front at Royal Troon.. just weeks after carrying colleague’s bag
Sophia Popov admits she’ll take to the tee at Troon today “dead nervous” after swapping bag duties for a shot at Major glory.
Germany’s world No. 304 will take a three- shot lead into the final round of the Women’s Open after a four-under 67 in Ayrshire.
The 27-year-old was not playing but rather caddying for friend Anne van Dam when the LPGA Tour resumed after the coronavirus stoppage last month.
It then took a top-10 finish at the Marathon LPGA Classic in Ohio a fortnight ago for her to qualify for the Major for the first time since 2011.
Popov was the only player not to drop a shot on moving day as she powered to four under with an eagle three at the fourth and two back-nine birdies.
She said: “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t going to be super nervous but I’ll try to keep the nerves to a minimum.
“I’ll try not to check my phone. Please nobody text me!
“Four under and bogey free was more than I could have hoped for and makes me extremely happy.
“Honestly, at the beginning of the day I said if I could keep it together and play a solid round, around even par [I’d be satisfied].
“Conditions were definitely better than the first two days but they still weren’t easy.” Aussie Minjee Lee, who is chasing her first Major win, and Thai Jasmine Suwannapura share second on one under after both fired 69s.
They were the only three players under par after 54 holes.
Americans Lindsey Weaver (71) and Austin Ernst (72), alongside German Caroline Masson (68), are tied fourth on one over.
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew dropped to eight over as the Scot posted a 74 following back-to-back bogeys on her final two holes. Michele Thomson, the only other Scot to make the cut , carded an 80 to fall back to 17 over. Overnight leader Dani Holmqvist, the only player under par after 36 holes, hit a 77.