Belleair, Fla. – On Saturday’s cold, blustery day at The Annika, LPGA veteran Lindy Duncan executed a textbook performance, carding a bogey‑free 69 (1‑under) with 17 pars. Her disciplined play gave her a one‑shot lead as the tournament heads into its final round.
Duncan explained her strategy, noting the challenging wind and firm greens: “I was really just trying to hit the ball in spots where you could at least hit the green or have a reasonable chip.” Her approach paid off, especially on the 18th, where she narrowly missed a 50‑foot putt but secured a three‑footer for par.
Key Moments and Competitors
Hye‑Jin Choi was tied for the lead until a missed 18th‑green putt resulted in a bogey 70. Carlota Ciganda, who shared the 54‑hole lead, struggled with five three‑putts, including the 18th, which helped Duncan maintain her edge.
Other notable performances included Yuri Yoshida, who posted a 67 and sits two shots back, and South Korea’s Ina Yoon, who carded a 69, three shots behind the leader. Haeran Ryo, a double major winner, posted a Saturday‑low 65, moving from eight shots behind to four back.
Minami Katsu’s round ended with a triple bogey after two balls found water, finishing at 75. Nelly Korda, a Hall of Fame hopeful, recorded a 71 after a double bogey on the sixth and an unusual tee‑shot on the seventh that landed back on the tee.
What Lies Ahead
Duncan still faces a final round with dry weather and firmer greens, offering a realistic chance to capture her first LPGA victory after 222 career starts. A strong finish could also secure her spot in the season‑ending CME Group Tour Championship, where the top 60 players compete for a $2 million prize.
Meanwhile, Choi, who is already qualified for the season finale, remains focused on winning, citing recent runner‑up finishes on the Asian swing as confidence boosters.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
