The three players are tied going into the final day of the U.S. Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania.
Minjee Lee, Andrea Lee and Wichanee Meechai are all at five under after 54 holes.
Minjee Lee shot a 4-under 66 on Saturday, tying for the lowest score of the day and being one of 13 players to finish under par on Day 3.
The 2022 U.S. Women’s Open champion leads the field in approach strokes gained by 3.8 shots.
Minjee Lee got the momentum going with an incredible eagle on the par-five seventh after six consecutive pars, and added two more birdies on the 11th and 12th before bogeying the 14th. Last birdie He shot a 66 on the par-4 16th hole.
“I stuck to my game plan and went for birdies,” Minjee Lee said. “I just wanted a good score in the third round, on travel day. I knew I had some tee shots I could get for birdies, so I just took it one step at a time, just like the U.S. Open, and focused on the moment.”
Of the top three, Lee is the only one who has won a U.S. Women’s Open, so she knows the pressure awaits her on Sunday. Lancaster Country Club has provided a stern test for the women this week, raising questions about just how tough the final round will be.
“Depending on how the course is set tomorrow, it could be a shootout,” she said. “They’re going to make it a little harder than it was today, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Lee explained that she planned to keep preparations to a minimum tomorrow and have a relaxing evening.
“I try not to think too much about it. I’ve been doing that for quite some time now,” Li said. “I’ve been to the U.S. Open once. I might watch some TV or read a little bit.”
Andrea Li shot a 3-under 67 on Saturday, while Meechai only managed a 1-under 69.
Both players are looking to win their first major championship. Andrea’s best finish at the U.S. Women’s Open was a tie for 15th in 2022, while Meechai finished tied for 30th in 2021.
“It’s an incredible feeling. Competing for a major championship is something I’ve always dreamed of,” Andrea Lee said.
She also received a special message and advice from Michelle Wie West.
“She told me to give it 100 percent no matter what the outcome was,” Andrea Lee said. “No matter what happens, it’s a privilege to be in this moment and have this opportunity. I took her words to heart. I tried to have fun on the golf course and just work with the golf course, not against the field.”
Andrea Li and Minjee Lee will play in the final group at 2:15 PM ET. Meechai will be paired with Hinako Shibuno. They will play in the penultimate group at 2:04 PM ET.
Will Minjee win her third major championship, or will Andrea or Meechai win their first?
Savannah Lee Richardson is a Golf Staff Writer for SB Nation Playing Through. Follow us for more golf articles. Follow You can follow us on all major social platforms. You can also follow us on Twitter Follow Instagram: @savannah_leigh_sports
