After many opportunities at the top of the rankings during the second round of the LPGA Senior Championship, Karrie Webb finished the day on top. The Hall of Fame member ran out bogeys and scored six birdies to sign a 66, six under par.
“It was very challenging today,” Webb said. “I managed my game very well. I actually didn’t play the par 5s very well, I only made two birdies on them, but being bogey-free on a day like today is a pretty good effort, so I’m happy with that.”
Webb heads into the final round at 9 under, two shots ahead of his longtime competitor, Annika Sorenstam. The familiarity of the duo playing with each other has been evident and entertaining for the spectators during the first 36 holes.
“When we play against each other, even if we’re looking for social success, we probably get the best out of each other,” Webb said. “I think that’s what happened in the last few days.”
As you walk through the field, it’s not hard to find Webb and Sorenstam. The duo has drawn a huge crowd, something they are both used to and use as motivation.
“It’s been so hot,” Webb said. “So it’s really appreciated that they really got involved in the event and support us.”
Webb’s approach to the final round is unchanged from the past two days. After a little R&R in the air conditioning, she’ll be ready to go out and close the deal tomorrow.
“There’s a lot of birdies out there,” Webb said. “I’m going to keep playing aggressively and give myself as many chances as I can.”
Sorenstam trails Webb at seven under. His seven birdies, four of which were consecutive in the last nine, took her from T4 to second place alone. The Swede signed for a four-under-par 68.
While she’s excited to compete with Webb once again, Sorenstam isn’t ruling anyone out and knows she’ll have to bring her best game tomorrow.
“I have a lot of respect for Karrie,” Sorenstam said. “As you know, we have been playing quite a few rounds together. Not just these two, but we went back to when we were racing in our heyday. She’s one of the best here, so I look forward to going toe-to-toe with her. There are some players right behind, so it will be a close race tomorrow.”
After a long day in the heat, Sorenstam plans to relax and spend time with her family. She is thankful that her children have been so patient this week and she is ready to have some fun with them before the round of 16. She also hopes to channel her children’s patience into their game tomorrow.
“I feel like I’m ready, I feel like I’m hitting good,” Sorenstam said. “I just have to be more patient.”
First round leader, Lisa DePaulo he joins Webb and Sorenstam in the final group after finishing third at 6 under par. He went bogey-free over the back nine, making a solo birdie that day.
Tied for fourth place, a stroke behind DePaulo, they are Clarissa Childs, Leta Lindley Y Laura Diaz. The trio heads into Sunday at 5-under. A total of 45 players made the cut at 7 or higher, including defending champion and runner-up Trish Johnson and Becky Morgan at 1 under.
QUICK QUOTES
Michele Redman (-2, T10) on her 4-under nine back round with no bogeys:
“It felt pretty good. I left some lying around, but I’m ready to go tomorrow. It’s good to get back to racing and have some kind of routine.”
Denise Killeen (E, S22) in her No. 12 eagle:
“I knew the green was a bit difficult, and I knew I didn’t want to be long. I hit something that I knew would hit in front, and it hit maybe a short yard or two and ran to about four feet, and I made it. It’s been a long time since I’ve done eagle, so it was a fun feeling.”
Leta Lindley (-5, S4) on having her son in the bag:
“It is quite special. I might have a little tears in my eyes. This is Cole’s first time caddying for me, my husband caddyed for me for 17 years. Cole is now 18 and off to college, and this is our last hurrah before she leaves. He’s been really great in the bag, I’m really proud of him. He has been very positive and encouraged me.”