Defending champion Jeeno Thitikul is staying cool under pressure as she heads into the final round of the LPGA Tour's Mizuho Americas Open with a two-shot lead. After firing a two-under-par 70 on Saturday, the world number two from Thailand is just 18 holes away from successfully defending her title at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Jeeno started the day with a three-shot cushion from Friday's second round, but an early bogey threatened to derail her momentum. Meanwhile, Australia's Hannah Green came out swinging, going five-under through her first eight holes to close the gap. However, the Thai star showed the poise that makes her a world-class competitor, steadying herself with three birdies to finish the day at 10 under. As Green faded with two bogeys on the back nine, Jeeno regained control.
Despite her commanding position, Jeeno isn't getting ahead of herself. "It's just golf – just another day, another tournament," she said with characteristic calm. "Another 18 holes tomorrow. It's a new day and I don't know what's going to happen. Just going to let golf be golf and then just go with the flow."
Hot on her heels is France's Celine Boutier, who delivered a stellar five-under-par 67 to sit alone in second at eight under. The 32-year-old from suburban Paris bounced back from a bogey on the first hole with six birdies and 11 pars, putting herself in prime position for a Sunday showdown.
South Korea's Choi Hye-jin is in third at seven under after a six-under-par 66, while China's Yin Ruoning, Australia's Green, and American Allisen Corpuz are tied for fourth at six under. Corpuz was one of three players to take full advantage of calmer winds and softer conditions, matching Choi's 66. "Hit a lot of fairways, hit a lot of greens, and then was lucky to make a few putts," Corpuz said. "The wind was a lot less than it has been the last two days, and I just felt like a few of the pins fit my eye a little better."
With tee-times moved up due to weather forecasts, the stage is set for a thrilling final round. Can Jeeno hold off the challengers and keep her crown? One thing's for sure: in the world of women's golf, anything can happen when the pressure is on.