Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand will sleep on the 54-hole lead in a major championship for the first time in her career.
The three-time winner posted a six-under 66 on a moving day to take the lead at the Women’s British Open at 16-under yesterday, two strokes ahead of Mirim Lee at 14-under. While this is the first time Jutanugarn will sleep on the lead in a major, she successfully managed her nerves when holding the 54-hole lead in each of her three victories during the month of May.
The long-hitter swapped out her driver for a 2-iron this week, and although she feels more comfortable when she has driver in the bag, Jutanugarn still finds herself in position to make history today.
At 16-under par, Jutanugarn is just three strokes shy of matching Karen Stupples’ tournament scoring record of 19-under par which she posted in her victory in 2004 at Sunningdale Country Club.
After holding both the 18 and 36-hole lead over the past two days, Mirim Lee stumbled yesterday, getting lapped early in the round as leaders went low. Lee dropped her only shot of the day at the par-4 third to open the door for Jutanugarn and Matthew. She rebounded with four birdies to post a third round 69.
Mo Martin, the 2004 British Open champion, remained in the mix, posting a 69 to sit five strokes back of the lead heading into the final round.
Jutanugarn played alongside 2009 champion Catriona Matthew, who kept pace with her younger counterpart throughout the round, carding a one-under-par 71 to sit six strokes back of her playing partner.
Matthew has a chance to make history of her own. With a win she would become the oldest major champion in LPGA history at 46 years, 11 months and 6 days old.