NASSAU – Moving day lived up to its name Saturday at the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.
The four Americans atop the leaderboard at Ocean Club Golf Course combined for 29-under par on Saturday. Leading the way at 23-under par are Lexi Thompson and Stacy Lewis. The pair finished one stroke shy of the 54-hole scoring record of 24-under par.
Thompson followed her second round 61 with a third round 66 to move into a share of the lead with Lewis, who recorded a 10-under par, 63. Lewis holed out from the fairway for her first eagle of the day at the par five, 11th hole. She recorded her second eagle of the day at the par five, 18th to move into a share of the lead.
“That was probably the best round I think I've ever shot on Tour in relation to par, so just a cool day,” Lewis said. “I didn't exactly hit it perfect, got away with a few shots, but just took advantage of it, and I didn't even know what I shot there at the end of the day. “
Click here to watch Thompson's post-round interview.
Click here to watch highlights from Thompson's third round.
Thompson has gone on to win five of the nine times she’s held a share of the 54-hole lead. Lewis has 13 times held a share of the lead heading into Sunday. On eight of those occasions, Lewis went on to win. She’ll look to do the same on Sunday and pick up her first win since 2014. She has twice finished runner-up in this event including most recently last season. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Lewis welcomes the inclement weather that is expected for the final round.
“I didn't look at a leaderboard all day until the 18th, and the weather is going to get tougher tomorrow, which I'm glad I'm near the lead for that," Lewis said. "But we gotta keep making birdies regardless, so stay in my own game and keep making birdies.”
Click here to watch Lewis' post-round interview.
Click here to watch highlights from Lewis' third round.
Gerina Piller sits solo third at 22-under par after an 8-under par, 65. First and second round leader Brittany Lincicome is solo fourth at 21-under par after a third round four-under par, 69.
Rookie Nelly Korda made a splash in her first event as a member on Tour, recording a career low 10-under par, 63 to vault from T-32 to T-6 heading into Sunday.
“I'm so happy to be out here. It's been my dream,” Korda said after her round. “I was definitely nervous my first day and my first nine holes, and I'm glad I kinda got those nerves out of way, and now I can play some golf. “
Click here to watch Korda’s post-round interview.
Tee times have been moved up for Sunday's final round in hopes of avoiding inclement weather in the Bahamas area. Players will be teeing off both the first and 10th tees beginning at 8:00 a.m. Click here for complete groups and tee times.
Click here for complete scores from the third round of the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic.