US Women's Open - Ariya Jutanugarn overtakes Sarah Jane Smith into final

US Women's Open 2018 - Ariya Jutanugarn Leads, Sarah Jane Smith Second, heading into final 

As the 2018 US Women's Open enters its final day Ariya Jutanugarn leads on 12-under 204. Australia's Sarah Jane Smith led for the first two rounds and is now second on 8-under 208. Third is Hyo-Joo Kim from South Korea on 6-under 210. 

Weather has been a major factor throughout the tournament at Shoal Creek, Alabama. Rain had begun to saturate the course earlier in the week but Thursday's first round, though somewhat soggy, was uninterrupted.  On Friday, storms hit with sporadic vengeance and the second round had to be completed on Saturday morning. Despite the challenging situation all third rounds were completed.

Jutanugarn powered straight ahead as she began her third round, with birdies on the first and third holes giving her traction against Smith's lead. More birdies followed, on 11, 13, 14 and 15, bringing a round total of 67. 

Smith had shot two rounds of 67. In round three she made par on the first seven holes but then bogeyed Nos. 8 and 9. She did not let this throw her but continued on with pars on each of the back nine holes and posted 74.

“I felt really good and kept my nerves under control, but I think the nerves showed up in my putting,” Smith said. “When you are leaving them short, that’s because of nerves. I have nothing to lose. Hopefully, tomorrow I can go out with a little bit more confidence.”

“I think I’m going to sleep well tonight,” Jutanugarn said. “I didn’t sleep much last night and I’m really tired. I just want to go out and be proud of myself every day."


Add a comment

Title Notify Website Updates

Subscribe to receive updates and new posts via email