2015 Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Round 3 Notes and Interviews

Pink Saturday

Pink Saturday was in effect here Saturday at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia as the tournament raises money for Cancer Research Malaysia. The cause was particularly special to Morgan Pressel’s heart, and she was nearly moved to tears when asked about it.

“Well, for sure, in general, here in Malaysia, we play all over the world and other than in the United States, I feel like we don’t find this type of philanthropy internationally like we have here supporting breast cancer research,” Pressel said. “It’s really, really impressive. To hear the doctor here speak, her passion is unbelievable. I love hearing her speak every year. That’s what breast cancer needs in order for the disease to go away.”

If Pressel’s efforts are any indication, breast cancer doesn’t have a chance as the 26-year-old touring pro’s foundation, the Morgan Pressel Foundation, has already raised over $4 million for cancer research since she founded it.

Laughing And Making Birdies

Regardless of how Lydia Ko played Saturday, she knew when she went to the 1st tee that she was going to have fun. That’s because she was playing with Jessica Korda. Ko loves to laugh and few on Tour make her laugh more often and harder than Korda.

“Yeah, you know, she’s such a close friend. She’s so much fun to play alongside. She makes everybody laugh. I told her on 17 she makes people smile. That’s a great thing about her. Every time I play alongside her we have so much fun. At least I do.”

It’s probably not a coincidence that when you’re having that much fun, good golf follows. And it certainly did for Korda as she fired her best round of the year.

“I mean, we had a lot fun out there. I played with Lydia and Haru and just had a good time,” Korda said. “I’m pretty sure people walking with us were wondering why we were cracking up so much on the golf course. But we really did just have a good time. I think for all of us the birdies were just rolling in, so you can’t ever complain about a day like today.”

Back To The Winner's Circle

Stacy Lewis teed it up an hour and six minutes before the final group Saturday, but she’ll tee it up in the final group Sunday. Lewis posted a 6-under-par 65 but left feeling like it could have been even lower on a day that she hit 16 greens.

“Yeah, it was just nice to follow up the round yesterday with a good one today,” Lewis said. “Didn’t really make this many putts but hit a lot of shots close. Need another good one like that tomorrow.”

No one in the field has played better than Lewis over the last two rounds. She’s hit 16 greens each day and is 11-under-par her last two rounds. If it weren’t for an uncharacteristic 1-over-par on day one, she’d likely have at least a share of the lead.

“Yeah, I mean, I didn’t hit anything close [round one],” Lewis said. “I had 30-, 40-footers all day and made a little adjustment to the swing. Wasn’t anything major. Just got myself to free it up these last couple days.”

The frustration of a winless season is certainly there for Lewis, and she wants to break through. 2015 has been far from a bad year at third on the money list, but she hasn’t won and for a player as competitive as Lewis, that grates on the nerves. Specifically, seven top-three finishes without a win. But she’s back in contention and she has as good of shot as anyone Sunday.

“I have to say I haven’t been there in a while,” Lewis said. “It’s been a little bit of a frustrating year. It’s nice to be back. Hopefully I can put another good one together tomorrow.”