CINCINNATI – Lottie Woad emerged as the standout performer in a rain-soaked and blustery setting at the Kroger Queen City Championship this past Saturday. Her stellar performance saw her outpace Nelly Korda and the rest of the competition.
Woad showcased her skill with a remarkable 5-under 65 round, following an equally impressive 64 the day before. This effort catapulted her to an 11-under 199, granting her a three-stroke advantage over Amanda Doherty as they head into the tournament’s final round.
“I haven’t checked the weather forecast, but I anticipate there’ll be some wind,” Woad remarked. “The strategy will be to hit as many fairways as possible, which will open up opportunities. Missing the fairway means you have to play defensively.”
Meanwhile, Nelly Korda found herself nine strokes behind, tied for the 19th position after a challenging 2-over 72 round. Korda, who was striving for her third consecutive victory, had previously been in the final group in all her six starts this year. She claimed victories at The Chevron Championship and the Riviera Maya Open in her last two outings.
The competition at Maketewah Country Club, a venue new to the championship, experienced a 2 1/2-hour delay due to weather conditions. Notably, the club’s unique layout features par-3 holes to close out each nine.
“I think it was a little softer,” Woad said. “Obviously, rained a bit with the storm, so you could be a bit more aggressive with the wedges definitely and you could hold a few more fairways.”
Woad is trying to win her second LPGA Tour title after taking the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open last year. The 22-year-old English player had seven birdies and two bogeys Saturday, dropping a stroke the par-4 17th.
Doherty, who shared the second-round lead with Jin Young Ko, birdied the 17th in a 69. The 28-year-old former Florida State player is winless on the tour.
“I think my game is in a good spot,” Doherty said. “Feeling pretty comfortable. Excited for tomorrow.”
Haeran Ryu was third at 7 under after her second straight 66. Lydia Ko was another shot back, shooting 69 alongside Woad.
Jin Young Ko shot a 75 to tumble into the group with Korda at 2 under.
Jeeno Thitikul topped the group at 5 under after a 69. She won the Mizuho Americas Open last week in New Jersey
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