Lizette Salas takes a two-shot lead heading into the final round of the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open. Salas leads hometown favorites Su Oh and Sarah Jane Smith and Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum by two after shooting a two-under 71 in the third round at Royal Adelaide.
The California native, with her old caddie, Greg Puga, on the bag, said she made the decision to get her old team back, a team she trusted and felt comfortable with, who shares the same vision.
A win this week would be perfect for two-time Solheim Cup veteran, Salas hopes to make it onto her third U.S. roster this August. Salas is currently 24th in the USA Solheim Cup points standings. A win this week would put her in a good position to make the roster as points are increased by one-third during this year’s tournaments, and doubled for the season’s majors.
“It would be such an honor, and it would be my first win overseas, my first win with my Dad here. He wasn’t there [in 2014], he was watching on the television. So, it would mean a lot. To bounce back from the year that I had last year, it would mean a lot,” said Salas.
“On 18 my hands were a little numb, so I was just trying to relax and stay patient. We’ll just take it shot for shot tomorrow. It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position but I’m going to embrace it and just have fun.”
Oh, Smith and Phatlum sit two back of the lead but are within striking distance, each looking to pick up their first win on the LPGA Tour. For Oh and Smith not only are they looking to become Rolex First-Time winners but playing in front of a home crowd with an opportunity for a national title and chance to lift the Patricia Bridges Trophy.
“I mean, there are still 18 holes to go, I can’t quite think yet, but it’s my national title, so I really want to fight for it,” said Oh. “It’s going to be tough, but it would mean a lot. You can’t really put a word to that. It also would be my first win on the LPGA.
“Just a lot but currently I’m happy with how I played today and just tighten up a few more things for tomorrow and see what happens.”
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