As the heat index reached a high of 106 degrees on Saturday, Lydia Ko said she was “seeing stars” around No. 17. Combatting the sweltering heat and humidity has been a continued obstacle for Ko and the 68 other players in Singapore this week.
“I thought I was fine and then I had my ice bag and umbrella with me and then those last few holes, I think when the wind kind of died down, the heat really got to me,” said Ko. “So I was like, I need to get into the clubhouse as quickly as possible.”
Quickly as possible for the 24-year-old meant an eagle from the fairway on the final hole to cap off a third-round 69 to sit at -10. “I hit a really good drive and then obviously with the pin being tucked on the right, nice to have a short club in and hit a good committed 50-degree and I hit it perfect. So nice to make an eagle and to do that on the last makes my life easier to finish this round. Lunch is going to taste great more so after that one,” said Ko.
In six previous appearances, Ko’s worst finish at the HSBC Women’s World Championship is a tie for 15th. The Kiwi has recorded three top-10 finishes in the last six years in Singapore, including a runner-up performance in 2015. Though four shots out of the lead, Ko said she’s got her work cut out for her if she wishes to be the first multiple winner of the 2021 season.
“Overall, I feel like I've been playing really solid,” said Ko. “Hopefully feed off that and have another fun day tomorrow.”
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